Tariff Reduction From 44% - 30% One Of The Highest

Tariff Reduction From 44% to 30% One Of The Highest In The Region - Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma

by Staff Writer 10-07-2025 | 1:13 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st): US President Donald Trump has officially imposed a 30% tariff on all Sri Lankan products entering the United States, effective August 1, 2025.

The move was communicated in a formal letter to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and follows an earlier proposal to introduce a 44% tariff.

The tariff has been described by the U.S. as a corrective response to what it terms Sri Lanka’s “persistent and unsustainable trade deficits.”

Meanwhile, A special media briefing to clarify the tariffs imposed on the country by the Trump Administration, was held this morning.

The media briefing was headed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Senior Economic Advisor to the President and Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Duminda Hulangamuwa.

Addressing the special media briefing, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma said that multiple rounds of discussions were held with the United States Trade Representative (USTR), both in person and online, regarding the tariffs and the objective of these discussions was to maintain regional competitiveness and support exporters.

He added that not just one sector but all industries were considered during these discussions and that the impact on exports, imports, the economy, society, and investments was assessed during the discussions.

Dr. Suriyapperuma emphasized that Sri Lanka has achieved a significant tariff reduction from 44% to 30% and that this was one of the highest reductions in the region.

He highlighted that the government's engagement with various parties such as industry experts, as well as the USTR, was instrumental in securing this significant reduction.

Dr. Suriyapperuma emphasized that Sri Lanka will continue to engage with the US administration until 1st August with regard to the 30% tariff and that there is hope to bring all stakeholders together for continued discussions.