U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to impose a 30% reciprocal tariff on all goods imported from Sri Lanka, effective from August 1, following the expiration of a previously granted grace period.
According to an official letter issued by the White House to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the move comes after an earlier 44% tariff was imposed on April 2, with a temporary suspension period. With that grace period ending yesterday (July 9), the new 30% tariff will now be enforced.
The U.S. President also warned that if Sri Lanka decides to raise its own tariffs on American goods, the U.S. would match that percentage in addition to the current 30%.
Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the reduction from the previous 44% to 30%, describing it as a positive development and a result of effective diplomatic engagement. Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra highlighted that among all listed countries, Sri Lanka received the largest tariff reduction, signifying progress in bilateral relations.
Alongside Sri Lanka, the U.S. also imposed new tariffs on six other countries yesterday:
- Algeria, Iraq, and Libya – 30%
- Brunei and Moldova – 25%
- Philippines – 20%
Additionally, on Monday, President Trump announced new tariffs for 14 other nations, and he has expressed intentions to impose a 50% tariff on Brazil in the near future.
