Sri Lanka Earns US$13.6 Bn in Exports in Just Nine Months

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s export sector continued its upward trajectory in 2026, with total exports reaching US$13.61 billion during the first nine months of the year, marking a 5.04% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025. The performance reflects steady growth across both merchandise and services exports, highlighting the resilience of the country's export industry despite challenging global market conditions.

According to the latest export performance figures released by Sri Lanka Customs, together with estimates from the Export Development Board (EDB) for gems and jewellery and petroleum products, merchandise exports grew by 5.35% to US$10.76 billion, while services exports increased by 3.88% to US$2.85 billion during the January-September period.

The strongest momentum came in September, when Sri Lanka recorded total exports of US$1.69 billion, representing a 17.23% year-on-year increase from September 2025. Merchandise exports drove much of that growth, rising 21.66% to US$1.39 billion, while services exports edged up 0.67% to US$306.17 million.

Among the best-performing sectors in September were Electrical and Electronic Components, which surged 88.35%, Spices, Essential Oils and Oleoresins, which rose 73.19%, and Rubber and Rubber-Based Products, which increased 33.68%. Food and beverage exports also posted strong growth of 27.92%, reflecting continued international demand for Sri Lankan products.

Pepper exports more than doubled, recording a remarkable 165.38% increase, while cinnamon exports climbed 68.27%, reinforcing Sri Lanka's position as a major supplier of premium spices to global markets.

However, not all sectors recorded growth. Tea export earnings fell 1.38% in September, largely due to weaker demand from key Middle Eastern markets, including the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Iraq. Coconut-based products also recorded a decline of 8.88%, while ornamental fish exports dropped 35.15% during the month.

The United States remained Sri Lanka's largest export destination, accounting for more than 20% of merchandise exports and recording an 18.06% increase in September.

India strengthened its position as the country's second-largest export market, overtaking the United Kingdom, with exports to India increasing 29.65% in September and 12.3% during the first nine months of the year.

Turkey emerged as one of the fastest-growing export destinations, with shipments increasing 64.22% in September and 94.01% during the January-September period. Exports to China also posted healthy growth, supported by strong demand for activated carbon and other value-added products.