A recent United Nations report has raised serious concerns over the potential economic fallout facing some of the world’s poorest and smallest countries due to newly imposed tariffs by the United States. The report strongly urges the US administration to exempt these vulnerable nations from the reciprocal tariffs, warning that failure to do so could have devastating consequences for their already fragile economies.
In its appeal, the UN has identified 28 countries that it believes should be spared from the new tariff regime, citing their low export volumes and negligible impact on the US economy. The report emphasizes that these nations are not competitive threats and should not be caught in the crossfire of global trade tensions.
However, Sri Lanka is not among the countries listed for exemption.
This omission has drawn attention, especially as Sri Lanka continues to grapple with a debt crisis and is working to stabilize its economy with the help of international institutions like the IMF. The absence from the list means Sri Lanka will remain subject to steep tariffs that could further strain its export sector, particularly in textiles and manufacturing, which rely heavily on access to the US market.
The UN’s position is clear: countries with minimal influence on global trade should not be penalized under sweeping tariff policies. The 28 nations recommended for exemption are described as having “limited trade exposure” and “no significant threat to US industries.”
As trade dynamics continue to shift under evolving US policy, the pressure now falls on Sri Lankan authorities to negotiate separate relief or explore alternative strategies to safeguard its economic interests in the absence of a UN-backed exemption.
Sadly, the UN position on this will have no effect whatsoever on the current US President or his Administration. So, this is neither here nor there for Sri Lanka.