Home Sri Lanka Sri Lanka only country to hold bilateral tariff talks with US, claims NPP MP
Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka only country to hold bilateral tariff talks with US, claims NPP MP

Share
Share

National People’s Power (NPP) MP Lakshman Nipunaarachchi said that Sri Lanka is the only country that has engaged in bilateral discussions with the United States over tariff-related issues.

Speaking during a programme aired on a state-owned television channel, Nipunaarachchi stated that while the issue has drawn attention, some have exaggerated its impact for political gain.

He also criticised former officials and political figures who now offer advice, despite their own questionable track records while in power.

“The problem isn’t over yet. The government is still in talks with the US,” the MP added, signalling that negotiations are ongoing.

Crunch time’ for global trade talks

With just two weeks to go before Donald Trump’s Liberation Day deadline, global trade talks have entered crunch time.

Countries without bilateral trade deals by July 9 could face tariffs significantly higher than the current 10% baseline.

So far, only the UK has finalized an agreement, which preserves the 10% rate but doesn’t resolve its 25% steel duty dispute.

Other negotiations are still in motion.

China has secured a temporary truce through mid-August, while India, Japan, and South Korea remain locked in discussions on key sectors like autos, agriculture, and steel.

U.S. officials have hinted at possible deadline extensions for countries making productive progress, though nothing has been confirmed.

Canada is aiming to resolve its differences by mid-July, warning it may increase existing 25% steel and aluminum tariffs if progress stalls.

Mexico is inching toward a compromise that would phase out Trump’s 50% steel tariffs under a volume cap.

South Korea, Thailand, and Switzerland are also working to reach terms, with Thailand offering new proposals and Switzerland focusing on agricultural concessions.

Share

Leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Articles
Sri Lanka

Ex-finance secretary hails Ranil’s crisis leadership: “Learnt a lot from him”

Former secretary to the ministry of finance Mahinda Siriwardana has lauded former...

Sri Lanka

Fuel price hike unjustified, say petroleum trade unions

The Petroleum Trade Unions have raised concerns over the government’s recent fuel...

Sri Lanka

Bribery probe sought against Trade Minister

A formal was lodged yesterday (30) with the Commission to Investigate Allegations...

Sri Lanka

Grama Niladhari officers urge HRCSL to investigate service constitution violations

The Sri Lanka Grama Niladhari Association yesterday (30) formally petitioned the Human...