Sri Lanka and the United States have agreed to continue discussions with the aim of finalising a bilateral trade agreement in the shortest possible time.

A Sri Lankan delegation met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on 22 April 2025 at the US Trade Representative (USTR) Office in Washington D.C. to discuss reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US on Sri Lankan exports.

Issuing a statement following the meeting, the Government of Sri Lanka said the delegation updated Ambassador Greer on the country’s past economic challenges and the steps currently being taken to ensure long-term economic recovery.

The Sri Lankan delegation also emphasised the government’s readiness to cooperate with the US in reducing the trade deficit and lowering both tariff and non-tariff barriers.

Ambassador Greer, in response, welcomed Sri Lanka’s proposals to commence formal negotiations and expressed optimism that a mutually beneficial agreement could be reached soon.

Later that day, the Sri Lankan team held further talks with a USTR delegation led by Assistant United States Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch and Director for South Asia Emily Ashby. The two sides discussed Sri Lanka’s written trade offer and reiterated their commitment to finalising the agreement promptly.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) oversees the United States’ international trade policy and negotiations and serves as the principal advisor to the US President on trade matters.