Sri Lanka’s total exports passed US$10 billion in the first seven months of 2026, helped by stronger services, electronics, food and spice exports.
The Export Development Board (EDB) estimates that merchandise and services exports reached US$10.49 billion between January and July, up 5.5% from the same period in 2025.
Merchandise exports brought in US$8.19 billion, an increase of 5.05%.
Services exports grew faster, reaching an estimated US$2.30 billion, up 7.02% year on year.
The figures show a mixed picture across the export sector. Some industries are gaining ground, while major traditional exports are facing weaker demand.
Which exports are growing?
Electrical and electronic components recorded one of the strongest gains.
Exports from the sector rose 57.69% during January to July, reaching US$377.91 million. Insulated wires and cables increased 86.28%, while exports of telephone sets and audio and video equipment rose 232.72%.
Food and beverages also recorded strong growth. Export earnings increased 19.23% to US$405.22 million, with processed food exports rising 33.11% to US$189.44 million.
Spices and concentrates brought in US$280.49 million, up 14.32%. Cinnamon exports rose 29.75%, while shipments to Mexico increased 85.54%.
Coconut-based products also grew by 10% to US$726.64 million. Rubber and rubber-based products increased 4.92% to US$579.55 million.
Services are becoming an even larger part of the export mix. ICT/BPM exports alone reached an estimated US$1.02 billion, up 14.54% from the same period last year.
Apparel and tea remain under pressure
The growth has not been shared across all major export industries.
Apparel and textiles, the largest merchandise export sector, recorded earnings of US$2.88 billion in the first seven months. That was a 6.50% decline from the same period in 2025.
Exports to the United States, European Union and United Kingdom fell 2.99%, 8.42% and 11.06%, respectively.
Tea exports also declined.
Earnings fell 7.53% to US$817.53 million, with both bulk tea and tea packets recording lower sales.
The Middle East has been a particular challenge for tea exporters. Tea exports to the region fell 47.93% during July compared with the same month last year.
India gains ground as an export market
The export data also shows changes in where businesses are selling.
India became the second-largest merchandise export market during January to July, moving ahead of the United Kingdom.
Exports to India rose 36.16% to US$688.47 million in the cumulative figures cited by the EDB.
The United States remained the largest single destination, accounting for around 22% of merchandise exports. However, exports to the US declined 1.10% during the first seven months to US$1.71 billion.
Turkey also recorded strong growth, with exports rising 92.48% to US$152.87 million during January to July.
EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe said the sector now needs to build on the growth by improving existing export industries while developing new products, services and markets.
The first seven months of 2026 therefore show an export sector growing overall, but with a changing balance between industries. Electronics, ICT/BPM, processed food, spices and coconut products are gaining ground, while apparel and tea continue to face tougher overseas markets.
More:
Expressways Generate Record Rs. 355mn During Five-Day Holiday
Import and Export Numbers & Indexes
Last modified: August 31, 2026
