A Sri Lankan delegation in Washington has sought proposals from the US to resolve the trade dispute between the two countries, which has been stung by a high tariff of 44 percent imposed on the country under US President Donald Trump’s “unprecedented tariff regime”, sources said.
The Sri Lankan side has also expressed its willingness to purchase natural gas, petroleum products and vehicles from the US.
During the talks held with US Commerce Department officials, Sri Lanka has also sought proposals from the US to resolve the trade dispute.
The Sri Lankan delegation in Washington, hoping to reach a policy agreement between Sri Lanka and the US, will remain there for the next few weeks, sources said. Sources also said that the delegation’s stay in Washington will be extended if necessary.
Confirming the information, a senior official of the Ministry of Finance said that Sri Lanka has expressed its willingness to purchase more goods including natural gas, petroleum products and vehicles from the United States during the talks.
The official also said that the US side has been requested to provide suggestions on how to resolve the trade dispute between the two countries.
The official also said that the delegation in Washington has informed the US Commerce Department officials that Sri Lanka is ready to reduce the trade surplus and reduce tariffs imposed on American goods to the benefit of the US.