Sri Lanka’s US imports increased by 30% in 1Q this year

Sri Lanka’s US imports increased by 30% in 1Q this year
Details Created on Monday, 02 July 2012 15:22

US imports from Sri Lanka in the first quarter of this year has increased by 30%. This was
stated by the Sri Lankan Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya and said that Sri Lanka and the United
States have embarked on a journey to further consolidate our multifaceted relationship.

The Ambassador thanked the US officials for their understanding and cooperation, particularly
the officials of the office of United States Trade Relations. He also acknowledged the
contribution made by relevant line Ministries in Sri Lanka including the Ministry of Labour,
Industry and Commerce and External Affairs, Department of Commerce and the Board of Investment
of Sri Lanka for making it possible for the United States to close the country practice review
on worker rights in Sri Lanka without any change to Sri Lanka’s GSP trade benefits.

Meanwhile the Minister of Industry and Commerce r Rishad Bathiudeen welcomed United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk’s announcement on 29 June that the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) country practice review on worker rights in Sri Lanka has been closed without any change to Sri Lanka’s GSP trade benefits.

In 2011, exports to US worth $ 2.14 billion accounted for 20% of Sri Lanka’s total exports with
apparels dominating with $ 1.59 billion. Another Sri Lankan product-line in demand in the US
market is the ‘rubber based product’ category.(niz)