The Sri Lanka Association of Manufacturers and Exporters of Rubber Products (SLAMERP) has welcomed the decision by the Office of the United States Trade

Representative (USTR) to place Sri Lanka among the countries subject to a 10% tariff under the recently concluded Section 301 investigations, describing the outcome as a significant boost to the country's rubber products export sector.

The decision ensures Sri Lanka remains on par with several key competitor nations, helping preserve the competitiveness of Sri Lankan rubber products in one of the country's most important export markets. Initial indications suggested Sri Lanka could have faced a higher tariff rate, which would have placed exporters at a disadvantage in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

The announcement follows a period of evolving U.S. trade measures over the past 18 months. The initial 44% reciprocal tariff announced in April 2025 was subsequently revised to 30% and later to 20%, with Sri Lanka ultimately being subject to a 10% tariff rate.

Throughout this period, the Government of Sri Lanka maintained close engagement with U.S. authorities to protect and advance the country's export interests.

On behalf of the rubber products industry, SLAMERP extends its sincere appreciation to His Excellency President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Government of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Mahinda Samarasinghe, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Commerce, the Export Development Board, and all officials who worked tirelessly through continuous dialogue and high-level engagement to secure this favourable outcome.

SLAMERP Chairman Pushpika Janadheera said, " This is a significant achievement for Sri Lanka's export manufacturing sector and particularly for the rubber products industry. In global markets, buyers compare sourcing destinations based on quality, reliability and cost. Securing tariff parity ensures Sri Lanka remains a competitive choice for international customers while reinforcing confidence in our manufacturers and the country's long-term export potential."

The United States remains one of Sri Lanka's largest export destinations for value-added rubber products, including industrial and medical gloves, tyres, solid tyres, industrial rubber goods, natural rubber mattresses and pillows, and many other specialised rubber products. The sector is among Sri Lanka's leading export industries, generating valuable

foreign exchange, supporting hundreds of thousands of livelihoods across the rubber value chain, and contributing significantly to the country's manufacturing economy.

SLAMERP noted that the decision provides greater certainty for exporters at a time of evolving global trade dynamics while strengthening investor confidence and supporting long-term business relationships with international customers.

The Association also highlighted that the successful outcome demonstrates the value of close collaboration between the Government and the private sector in addressing issues that directly impact Sri Lanka's export competitiveness. SLAMERP reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Government and industry stakeholders to strengthen market access, enhance the competitiveness of Sri Lanka's rubber products industry, and contribute to sustainable export-led economic growth.

Photo - Pushpika Janadheera, Chairman - SLAMERP