Countdown to August 1: Will U.S. Ease Tariffs on Sri Lanka?

COLOMBO (News 1st); A decisive round of discussions aimed at easing the 30% tariff imposed by the United States on Sri Lankan exports is scheduled to take place this week.

The virtual negotiations will be held between senior officials from Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

The talks are expected to focus on reducing the current tariff rate and strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties.

Sri Lankan officials have expressed optimism that tangible progress will be made before August 1.

Last Friday, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held a separate online meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jameson Greer. 

The President’s Media Division confirmed that Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, also participated in the high-level dialogue.

The discussions are part of an initiative to enhance economic cooperation between the two nations, with a particular focus on trade and investment.