Donald Trump has just dropped a trade bombshell, Sri Lanka is now officially on his new tariff hit list. A fresh letter posted to Truth Social confirms a 30% tariff on Sri Lankan imports, part of a wider global tariff wave affecting seven countries. Here’s everything you need to know before the August 1 deadline kicks in.
Trump Slaps 30% Tariff on Sri Lanka in Latest Trade Offensive
In a dramatic turn of events, US President Donald Trump has issued a new tariff letter that includes Sri Lanka among a group of seven nations targeted for trade penalties.
The letter, publicly shared on Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, imposes a 30% tariff on goods imported from Sri Lanka. This figure is notably lower than the 44% initially proposed in April, marking a partial relief, though still a significant trade impact.
Sri Lanka now joins the list of countries facing fresh Trump-era tariffs, which include Algeria, Brunei, the Philippines, Iraq, Libya, and Moldova. Of these, Sri Lanka, Algeria, Libya, and Iraq will all be subject to the same 30% rate.
This marks the seventh tariff letter Trump has issued in a single day, as part of a sweeping trade renegotiation strategy. The announced tariffs for all seven countries are scheduled to take effect from August 1, pending the results of ongoing trade talks.
The move underscores Trump’s persistent focus on restructuring U.S. trade relationships and applying pressure on what he calls “non-reciprocal economies.”
Trump’s unexpected tariff announcement has raised questions about Sri Lanka’s trade future and its export competitiveness in the U.S. market. Analysts warn that the new tariffs could significantly impact industries such as apparel, tea, rubber, and other key Sri Lankan exports.
As the August 1 enforcement date approaches, Sri Lankan exporters and trade bodies are bracing for potential disruptions and urging diplomatic channels to engage in dialogue with U.S. counterparts.
