JAAF Backs Fresh GSP+ Application to Protect Sri Lanka’s EU Market Access
COLOMBO, November 9, 2026 — The Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) has welcomed the Government’s commitment to submit a fresh application for the European Union’s GSP+ scheme under its new 10-year trade framework, describing continued preferential access as essential to export competitiveness and employment.
The industry body also supported the Government’s parallel approach of seeking continued GSP+ benefits while examining alternative arrangements that could provide more sustainable, long-term access to European markets.
JAAF said this combination would help protect exporters’ immediate interests while giving businesses and investors greater confidence to plan ahead.
For the apparel sector, the scheme’s importance extends beyond tariff concessions, supporting the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of workers and their families, the association said.
Completing the reapplication process and meeting updated eligibility and compliance requirements would be crucial to preserving Sri Lanka’s preferential position in the EU, JAAF added.
The association pledged to support the process and maintain standards in labour practices, environmental responsibility and governance, which underpin both the scheme and the industry’s relationships with international buyers.
According to JAAF, apparel exports exceeded US$5 billion in 2025, accounting for approximately 32% of Sri Lanka’s total export earnings of US$17.25 billion and more than half of industrial exports.
The EU receives 24% of Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports, underscoring the importance of continued market access to exporters, employment and the wider economy.
JAAF said it would work with the Government and relevant stakeholders to support a timely application and strengthen Sri Lanka’s long-term trade partnership with the European Union.
