Sri Lanka is the only country in the Asia region currently holding discussions with officials in the United States to revise the tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump earlier this year, according to Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando.

Joining the Parliamentary debate yesterday (30 June), where Parliamentarians were debating the fiscal strategy statement of the Government, Dr. Fernando stated that they are hopeful that the Government will be able get a better deal from the US regarding the 44% tariff imposed earlier this year.

A Sri Lankan delegation, in May this year, held discussions in Washington, District of Columbia, focusing on tariff-related matters, following an invitation extended by the Office of the US Trade Representative.

The reciprocal tariffs imposed by Trump have been paused for 90 days at present.

Dr. Fernando stated in the Parliament that the Government will take all steps within their powers to reduce the tariffs imposed by the US which will have a major bearing on many local industries.

He claimed that while the Government is taking such important steps to safeguard local companies, the opposition is only focused on jeopardising the work of the present administration.