A delegation of Sri Lankan officials, led by the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, will commence virtual discussions with the United States Trade Agency on Friday (18), the Finance Ministry announced in a press release.
The talks follow a formal notification from the President of the United States, informing Sri Lanka that a 30 percent tariff will be imposed on all its exports starting 1 August. This marks a reduction from the previous reciprocal tariff rate of 44 percent.
Sri Lanka has held several rounds of discussions with US representatives in recent months, aiming to ease the tariff burden on its exports. A delegation had previously been expected to travel to the United States for in-person negotiations.
The Finance Ministry stated that Sri Lanka is now entering formal negotiations to further reduce the newly proposed 30 percent tariff.
The US President has imposed similar export tariffs on several countries, having sent official notices to more than 20 nations—including Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and members of the European Union—regarding the new reciprocal tariff rates due to take effect on 1 August.
