Sri Lanka’s export industry has shown remarkable resilience and growth, with total exports exceeding the US$ 9 billion mark in the first half of 2026. During the January to June 2026 timeframe, the combined value of merchandise and services exports reached approximately US$ 9,012.24 million, marking an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
A closer look reveals that merchandise exports alone contributed US$ 7,073.31 million during this period, reflecting an 8.95% rise from the previous year, showcasing consistent performance across significant export categories.
In addition, the services export segment continued its upward trend, generating an estimated US$ 1,938.94 million in the first half of 2026, which is a 4.49% increase year-on-year. This growth further emphasizes the sector’s vital role in Sri Lanka’s overall export revenues and the performance of the external economy.
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According to preliminary statistics from Sri Lanka Customs, including estimated values for Gems & Jewelry and Petroleum Products, June 2026 saw merchandise exports totaling US$ 1,314.10 million, representing a robust 15.09% increase compared to June 2025.
The services sector also displayed positive growth, with an estimated generation of US$ 344.52 million in June 2026, reflecting a 3.75% rise from the same month in the previous year. This ongoing growth in services exports highlights the sector’s increasing importance in contributing to Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange earnings and overall economic stability.
As a result, Sri Lanka’s total exports, combining merchandise and services, reached around US$ 1,658.62 million in June 2026, which is a notable 12.53% year-on-year growth compared to June 2025. This impressive performance indicates widespread growth across both merchandise and services sectors, showcasing the adaptability and competitiveness of Sri Lankan exporters amid changing global market conditions.
Overall, Sri Lanka’s export performance in the first half of 2026 underscores the robustness of the country’s external sector, achieving over US$ 9 billion in total exports. The sustained growth across both merchandise and services exports reflects ongoing efforts to cultivate a more diversified and competitive export-driven economy, aligning with the nation’s long-term economic development goals.
The continued rise of services exports further highlights the growing significance of Sri Lanka’s knowledge-based economy. High-value service sectors such as Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Business Process Management (BPM), construction, finance, and logistics are increasingly contributing to the diversification of the export portfolio, enhancing value addition, attracting foreign exchange, and generating skilled employment opportunities.
In commenting on the export results for June 2026, Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and CEO of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), remarked, “The export performance in the first half of 2026 showcases the resilience and competitiveness of our exporters, surpassing the US$ 9 billion threshold. The ongoing growth in both merchandise and services sectors demonstrates our ability to adapt to changing global market dynamics while bolstering economic recovery and foreign exchange earnings.”
The EDB is committed to collaborating with exporters and stakeholders to enhance Sri Lanka’s global market presence through innovation, market diversification, value addition, and improved trade facilitation. The National Export Development Plan (NEDP) for 2026–2030 aims to provide a strategic framework to further boost export competitiveness, promote integration into global value chains, expand business opportunities, and support sustainable, export-led economic growth.
In June 2026, several products and services exhibited positive growth. Export earnings from Rubber and Rubber-Based Products rose by 7.14% year-on-year to reach US$ 87.61 million, bolstered by strong performance in key segments such as Pneumatic Tyres, Retreated Rubber Tyres, and Surgical Gloves. Additionally, exports of Gaskets and other hard rubber items more than doubled, reflecting robust international demand.
The Food & Beverages sector maintained its positive momentum, achieving a 13.73% year-on-year increase to US$ 53.94 million in June 2026, primarily driven by processed food exports, which grew by 18.90%. This trend underscores the rising global demand for Sri Lanka’s quality food products.
Spices and Essential Oils also saw strong performance, with a 15.76% increase in June 2026, reaching US$ 40.40 million, largely due to significant growth in Pepper exports. Moreover, seafood exports grew by 8.68% to US$ 17.02 million, with fresh fish and shrimp experiencing substantial increases in international demand.
The Electrical and Electronic Components sector recorded exceptional growth, with earnings soaring to US$ 196.31 million in June 2026, reflecting over four-fold growth compared to the previous year. This surge was primarily driven by a significant rise in insulated wires and cables, alongside notable increases in other electrical components.
Despite these positive trends, the Apparel and Textiles sector experienced a decline, with exports falling by 11.74% year-on-year to US$ 408.75 million in June 2026. This downturn was attributed to reduced orders from key markets, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.
Tea exports also saw a decline of 10.58%, totaling US$ 118.90 million, primarily due to lower sales in both Tea Packets and Bulk Tea. The Coconut-based Products sector recorded a decrease of 8.48% to US$ 99.75 million, with significant declines in Coconut Kernel products.
In contrast, coconut fiber products demonstrated positive growth, increasing by 6.59% to US$ 21.50 million, while Activated Carbon exports surged by 50.44% to US$ 20.49 million, reflecting the growing demand for environmentally sustainable products.
Throughout the January to June 2026 period, total exports reached approximately US$ 9,012.24 million, marking an 8% year-on-year increase. Merchandise exports were valued at around US$ 7,073.31 million, while services exports totaled US$ 1,938.94 million, showcasing the enduring strength of Sri Lanka’s export sector.
Among the key sectors, cumulative export earnings from Coconut-based Products, Rubber-based Products, Processed Food & Beverages, Electrical & Electronic Components, and Seafood saw substantial growth, indicating a broad-based recovery supported by rising international demand.
In terms of regional trade, exports to India and Pakistan represented a considerable portion of Sri Lanka’s total merchandise exports, with earnings reaching US$ 255.07 million in June 2026, a remarkable increase of 153.45%. This growth was primarily driven by heightened demand for various products, including base metals and textiles.
Exports to major markets showed varied performance, with countries like India, China, Turkey, Japan, and Mexico reporting positive growth. Conversely, exports to the United States and the United Kingdom experienced slight declines, reflecting ongoing challenges in these markets.
Overall, Sri Lanka’s export performance in the first half of 2026 illustrates the country’s potential for continued growth amidst a dynamic global trading environment, highlighting both opportunities and challenges for future trade expansion.
