Our Scans · Sri Lanka · Weekly Summary

• The near-term outlook for South Asia was expected to remain robust, with growth projected at 5.7 pc in 2025 and 6 pc in 2026, driven by strong performance in India as well as economic recovery in a few other economies, including Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. DAWN.COM
• Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are expected to continue fiscal consolidation and economic reforms under International Monetary Fund programmes. DAWN.COM
• Developing stronger ties with Africa, Latin America, and regional Southeast Asian economies could enable Sri Lanka to diversify export markets, attract investment in non-traditional sectors, and create new sources of development financing. Sunday Observer
• Malaysia (49 pc), Cambodia (49 pc), Vietnam (46 pc), and Sri Lanka (44 pc) are among Asian countries subject to higher-than-expected tariffs. ABC News
• Governments in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are expected to continue fiscal consolidation and economic reforms under IMF-supported programs. Economic Times
• While countries such as Vietnam, Myanmar, Sri Lanka China, Bangladesh, and South Africa are expected to face steep tariff rates-ranging from 31% to as high as 46 %-India's exposure remains limited, with tariff rates hovering around 26-27%. Times of Oman
• Sri Lanka's strategic location in the Indian Ocean may make it a focal point in any military conflict between India and Pakistan, heightening its vulnerability. E-International Relations
• Sri Lanka's leadership has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining positive relations with India, assuring that its territory will not be used in any way that could compromise India's security interests. DFRAC_ORG
• Over 1,100 visitors from key Buddhist countries - including India, China, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka - are anticipated to attend. Khabarhub
• In the case of textiles, significant competition comes from countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia which will suffer an even larger tariff disadvantage at 46%, 37%, 49% and 44% respectively. Times of India
• The tariff hike will directly impact the fast-fashion retailers and sportswear brands manufactured in Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. The Independent
• While Fiji, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka might potentially benefit from reducing their duties, it remains uncertain what actions Lesotho could take to appease the US Government and secure a reduction in its imposed duty. ODI: Think change
• Sri Lanka could very quickly see its share of U.S. business move to countries with lower tariffs. The Business of Fashion
• The approach of other countries in coping could be significantly different, with smaller countries like Cambodia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and others expected to face an impact much worse than larger economies, where it is expected to be much higher. Eurasia Review
• Sri Lanka could very quickly see its share of US business move to countries with lower tariffs. The Independent
• While Asian countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam will face the highest tariffs, many countries in Africa and Latin America will be only subject to the base duty. ODI: Think change
• Countries such as Cambodia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka will face substantial duties, and the US accounts for over 25% of their exports. ODI: Think change
• With China, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and other nations facing tariffs of 34%, 46%, and 44% respectively, the global supply chain is experiencing disruptions. Alignable
• Many countries in Southeast Asia and South Asia - including Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar and Sri Lanka - were hit by tariffs of over 40%, which could cripple their export-reliant and extremely vulnerable economies. CNN
• The U.S.'s penalty of 26% adjusted tariffs for India was lower than other Asian and South Asian countries that are Indian rivals for exports, including Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which could give India some comparative advantages. The Hindu
• Compared to major textile-exporting nations such as China, India, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Pakistan has a lower carbon footprint and significant potential for renewable energy expansion. The News International
• The near-term outlook for South Asia is expected to remain robust, with growth projected at 5.7% in 2025 and 6.0% in 2026, driven by strong performance in India as well as economic recovery in a few other economies, including Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Economic Times

Last updated: 13 June 2025