Colombo, July 19: With the August 1 deadline for tariff negotiations looming, Sri Lankan rubber exporters are pressing the US to lower the Trump-era tariffs, warning that the industry risks losing access to its key American market.
Kamal Silva, spokesperson for the exporters, said the current 30-cent tariff has made it difficult for Sri Lankan products to stay competitive, especially compared to Indonesian exporters, who now enjoy a clear price advantage.
“The tariff should be brought down to between 15 and 20 percent to give us a fighting chance,” Silva said.
Exporters are urging both governments to strike a deal that allows Sri Lanka to retain its foothold in the US market without being priced out by regional competition.