Sri Lanka’s apparel industry recorded a strong performance in the first 11 months of 2025, with cumulative exports reaching USD 4,571.99 million, a 5.42% increase compared to the same period last year, according to data released yesterday by the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF).
Apparel exports for November 2025 totalled USD 367.60 million, reflecting a slight decline of 1.96% from USD 374.94 million in November 2024. The monthly results were mixed across key markets, with the US posting USD 152.32 million (up 5.79% from USD 143.98 million), the EU (excluding UK) at USD 119.61 million (up 3.35% from USD 115.73 million), the UK declining to USD 43.63 million (down 13.83% from USD 50.63 million), and other markets at USD 52.04 million (down 19.44% from USD 64.60 million) Clothing.
Despite the modest dip in November, year-to-date performance demonstrates solid growth. From January to November 2025, exports totalled USD 4,571.99 million, up 5.42% from USD 4,336.84 million over the same period in 2024. By market, cumulative exports reached USD 1,435.39 million to the EU (excluding UK), up 13.07%, USD 742.98 million to other markets (up 5.75%), USD 1,769.08 million to the US (up 1.73%), and USD 624.54 million to the UK (down 0.22%).
Commenting on the performance, the JAAF said, “The 5.42% growth in cumulative exports for the first 11 months of 2025 reflects the resilience and adaptability of Sri Lanka’s apparel sector amid a challenging global environment. While November saw a modest decline of 1.96%, this should be viewed within the context of our strong year-to-date performance.”
The forum highlighted the 13.07% growth in the EU market as particularly encouraging, noting it reflects the success of Sri Lanka’s strategic focus on building relationships with EU buyers and meeting stringent sustainability and compliance standards. Continued growth in the US market, despite tighter margins, further demonstrates that Sri Lankan manufacturers remain competitive in quality, delivery, and ethical manufacturing practices.
