Sri Lanka’s garment exports recorded a 5.4% year-on-year increase in the period from January to November 2025, reflecting resilience in the apparel sector amid ongoing global demand volatility, industry data indicate. The growth was supported by a recovery in international orders and improved factory utilisation across the country’s export-oriented manufacturing base.
The robust performance of the apparel segment ensured that it continued to dominate Sri Lanka’s industrial export profile, accounting for a majority share of total industrial shipments during the first 11 months of the year. Cumulative apparel export earnings reached approximately US $ 4.57 billion, compared with US $ 4.34 billion in the same period in 2024.
Despite the positive year-to-date trend, monthly figures in November 2025 showed a slight contraction, with garment exports falling by around 2% compared with November 2024. Export performance across key markets was mixed, with shipments to the United States and the European Union increasing, while exports to the United Kingdom and other destinations declined.
Industry analysts said the sector’s overall performance underscores its capacity to adapt to challenging international market conditions. They noted that strong demand from North American and European buyers for Sri Lankan apparel had helped offset weaker regional demand, contributing to the overall growth trajectory.
Textile exporters, however, continued to face headwinds, with some reporting subdued demand for raw and intermediate goods, as manufacturers drew on existing inventories and adjusted sourcing strategies in response to cost pressures and supply-chain constraints. Despite this, the broader category of value-added textile products exhibited steady demand, cushioning overall exports.
Industry observers say that maintaining this momentum through to the end of 2025 will depend on sustained global demand, competitive pricing strategies and continued efforts to diversify export markets. The apparel sector’s contribution remains integral to Sri Lanka’s industrial exports, reinforcing its importance to the country’s export-led growth strategy.
