Category: Apparel
SLAEA hosts high-level forum on EU CSDDD: Strengthening sustainable trade through compliance
The Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA) hosted a high- level industry forum on July 9 at the Jetwing Hotel in Colombo 07, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to explore the growing relevance of the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). Designed to strengthen awareness and preparedness, the session focused on […]
Sri Lanka’s Textile and Apparel sector strengthens ESG transparency with new GRI-backed initiative
A new sustainability initiative is set to enhance the resilience, competitiveness, and global standing of Sri Lanka’s apparel sector. The Improving Transparency for Sustainable Business (ITSB) programme, jointly launched by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) South Asia, the Sustainable Development Council (SDC) of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the Joint Apparel […]
Boost for Sri Lankan garment sector as the UK launches new trade measures under DCTS
The UK government yesterday unveiled a package of reforms aimed at simplifying imports from developing countries such as Sri Lanka. Under the upgraded Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), businesses will face fewer procedural hurdles when exporting to the UK. British High Commission said in a statement that the changes are designed to boost trade flows […]
Exporters warn against backdoor charges, urge Government to uphold transparent trade practices
The Joint Chambers of Commerce today urged the Government of Sri Lanka to engage in meaningful consultation with all recognized industry chambers before making decisions that directly impact trade, exports, and the wider economy. The call comes in response to renewed lobbying efforts by certain shipping agents and intermediaries seeking to reintroduce anti-competitive terminal handling […]
Strong April 2025 performance of Sri Lanka’s Apparel sector; JAAF
Sri Lanka’s apparel industry recorded an encouraging 15.14% year-on-year growth in April 2025, reflecting a notable rebound in demand from major global markets. According to data released by the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), exports to the EU (excluding the UK) surged by an impressive 27.04%, while shipments to the USA and UK grew by […]
Stakeholders validate apparel curriculum for persons with disabilities
A diverse group of stakeholders from Sri Lanka’s apparel industry, vocational training institutes, the Department of Social Services, Vocational Training Authority, Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission, EFC’s disability resource centre, organizations for persons with disabilities and international development agencies convened recently at the NH CollectionColombo for a national workshop focused on validating an inclusive apparel […]
Sri Lankan Delegation to Engage in Tariff Talks in Washington
A Sri Lankan delegation is set to participate in discussions in Washington, D.C., focusing on tariff-related matters, following an invitation extended by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). This is the second in-person meeting aimed at ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral trade relations between the two nations. This initiative builds on several […]
Hameedia launches ‘We Create’ – Sri Lanka’s first-ever online tailoring platform
Hameedia, Sri Lanka’s leading menswear brand, recently launched ‘We Create’, the country’s first-ever digital tailoring platform, via www.envoylondontailorstore.com. This innovation reflects Hameedia’s 75-year legacy of craftsmanship combined with modern technology, allowing customers to design personalized garments online. More than just clothing, Hameedia views fashion as the art of crafting identity. The brand has built a […]
EU GSP+ Monitoring Mission to visit Sri Lanka next week
A team of senior European Union (EU) officials will undertake a visit to Sri Lanka from 28 April – 07May 2025 to review Sri Lanka’s progress in implementing the 27 international conventions under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) trade preferences program of the EU. The EU is Sri Lanka’s second largest export destination […]
Sri Lanka’s Apparel industry responds to new U.S. tariffs; Engages Government on way forward
Sri Lanka’s apparel industry has expressed its concern over the Reciprocal Tariff policy announced by the U.S regime earlier today. The new tariffs proposed could significantly disrupt the country’s largest export sector and put thousands of jobs at risk. Following an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump on April 2, a 10% baseline tariff on […]
Strengthening Sri Lanka’s reputation for responsible sourcing
Sri Lanka’s apparel industry has long been held up as a leader in ethical manufacturing, and that reputation has been further validated by a strong endorsement from Avedis Seferian, President and CEO of Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP). In a recent discussion with the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), Seferian emphasized how independent certification has […]
MAS Holdings to gain greater access to growing Indian market with expansions in Odisha, India
MAS Holdings, South Asia’s largest apparel manufacturer, marked a significant milestone in its global expansion by breaking ground for its first facility in the state of Odisha, India. This strategic initiative builds on MAS’ long-standing presence in India while strengthening its regional production capabilities and giving it a strong foothold to access the fast-growing Indian […]