FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – In June 2026, Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports experienced a significant increase of 15.09%, totaling $1,314.10 million compared to the same month last year, as reported by the export promotion office. This growth was largely driven by sectors such as electrical and electronic components, boat manufacturing, and petroleum products.
The Electrical and Electronic Components sector showcased remarkable performance, with export revenues soaring to $196.31 million, representing more than a fourfold increase from June 2025. The Export Development Board (EDB) highlighted that this impressive growth was primarily due to a substantial surge in the export of Insulated Wires and Cables, which saw an increase of 136.74% over the previous year, underscoring Sri Lanka’s expanding presence in global supply chains.
Additionally, exports of machinery, including boilers, piston engines, pumps, and vacuum pumps, rose to $151.81 million in June 2026, a significant jump from just $0.29 million in June 2025, reflecting improved export performance and heightened international demand.
Meanwhile, earnings from rubber and rubber-based products increased by 7.14%, reaching $87.61 million. The EDB noted that exports of Pneumatic and Retreated Rubber Tyres & Tubes, along with Industrial and Surgical Rubber Gloves, experienced minor growths of 1.26% and 2.76%, respectively, contributing positively to the sector’s overall performance. Notably, exports of Gaskets, Washers, Seals, and other hard rubber products more than doubled compared to June 2025, indicating strong global demand and enhanced competitiveness in Sri Lanka’s rubber manufacturing industry.
EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe remarked that the continued growth in merchandise and service exports demonstrates the sector’s adaptability to changing global market conditions.
From January to June 2026, cumulative merchandise export earnings totaled $7,073.31 million, reflecting an increase of 8.95% compared to the same period in the previous year. However, earnings from coconut and coconut-based products saw a decline of 8.48%, amounting to $99.75 million. Additionally, tea exports decreased by 10.58% to $118.09 million, and apparel and textile exports fell by 11.74% to reach $408.75 million.
Exports to the United States experienced a slight decline of 0.58%, totaling $250.87 million in June 2026. Similarly, exports to the United Kingdom dropped by 28.49% to $65.53 million, despite Sri Lanka benefiting from preferential treatment under the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which allows duty-free entry for approximately 92% of product lines. In contrast, India remained the second-largest export market for Sri Lanka, with a remarkable increase of 156.73% in June 2026.
(Colombo/Jul23/2026)
