Sri Lanka, April 3 -- The United Kingdom's revised Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), effective from January 2026, presents a clear opportunity for Sri Lanka's apparel sector. It is particularly significant for small and medium-sized exporters, offering them a stronger footing in a key market.
The real strength of the revised scheme lies in its practicality. By easing rules of origin and
allowing greater flexibility in sourcing inputs, DCTS removes a longstanding constraint that has
disproportionately affected smaller exporters. This shift enables Sri Lankan firms to operate with greater agility, improving pricing options, shortening lead times, and responding more
effectively to buyer requirements.
For SMEs, this is a meaningful...