Sri Lanka’s exports surpass US$9 billion in first half of 2026

Colombo, July 22 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka's total exports exceeded the US$9 billion mark during the first six months of 2026, reflecting continued growth in both merchandise and services exports despite challenges in several key sectors.

According to the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), combined merchandise and services exports reached an estimated US$9.01 billion between January and June 2026, marking an 8% increase compared to the same period last year.

Merchandise exports rose by 8.95% year-on-year to US$7.07 billion, while services exports increased by 4.49% to US$1.94 billion, highlighting the growing contribution of knowledge-based industries such as ICT/BPM, construction, financial services, transport and logistics.

In June alone, merchandise exports increased by 15.09% to US$1.31 billion, while services exports grew by 3.75% to US$344.52 million. As a result, total exports for the month reached US$1.66 billion, up 12.53% from June 2025.

EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe said the performance demonstrated the resilience and competitiveness of Sri Lankan exporters despite evolving global market conditions.

He said the EDB would continue working with exporters and stakeholders under the National Export Development Plan (2026–2030) to strengthen export competitiveness, diversify markets and promote value-added exports.

Among sectors recording strong growth in June were electrical and electronic components, food and beverages, rubber and rubber-based products, spices and essential oils, seafood, mineral products and ornamental fish. ICT/BPM services also maintained steady growth during the month.

However, apparel and textile exports declined by 11.74% in June, while tea exports fell by 10.58% due to weaker demand in key markets, particularly in the Middle East. Coconut-based product exports also recorded a decline, although activated carbon and coconut fibre-based products continued to perform strongly.

During the January–June period, electrical and electronic component exports surged by 123.48%, ICT/BPM exports rose 17.63%, while coconut-based products, food and beverages, seafood and rubber-based products also posted healthy gains. In contrast, apparel exports declined by 6.07%, tea by 5.69% and spices and essential oils by 0.10%.

India overtook the United Kingdom to become Sri Lanka's second-largest export destination during the first half of 2026, with exports to India increasing by 36.16% year-on-year. Exports to China also rose by 19.56%, while exports to Turkey nearly doubled during the period.