Exports surpass $ 12 b mark in eight months

Thursday, 24 September 2026 00:25 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka’s export sector has surpassed the $ 12 billion mark during the first eight months of 2026, reflecting a 4.26% rise from a year ago.

“The growth reflects continued momentum in Sri Lanka’s export performance, with both merchandise and services exports recording positive growth during the period,’ said Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe.

Merchandise exports increased by 3.63% to $ 9.41 billion, while services exports recorded a stronger 6.59% growth, reaching $ 2.6 billion. The increasing contribution of services continues to strengthen the overall export base and supports the diversification of Sri Lanka’s export earnings.

The EDB said the positive momentum was also reflected in the performance during August 2026, when total exports reached $ 1.6 billion, recording a year-on-year (YoY) growth of 1.77%. Services exports showed particularly strong performance during the month, increasing by 13.97% to $ 331.87 million, while merchandise exports amounted to $ 1.27 billion.

“The achievement of the $ 12 billion milestone during the first eight months of the year marks another significant step in Sri Lanka’s efforts to expand and diversify its export base, strengthen its presence in international markets, and increase the contribution of exports to the national economy,’ Wijesinghe added.

According to provisional data released by Sri Lanka Customs, together with estimated export values for Gems and Jewellery and Petroleum Products, Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports amounted to $ 1,269.49 million in August 2026, representing a 1% YoY decrease.

The services export sector continued its positive growth momentum, generating an estimated $ 331.87 million in August 2026, representing a 13.97% increase compared to the corresponding month of the previous year. The continued expansion of services exports highlights the sector’s growing contribution to Sri Lanka’s export earnings, foreign exchange generation, and overall economic resilience.

Consequently, Sri Lanka’s total exports, comprising both merchandise and services, reached an estimated $ 1,601.36 million in August 2026, recording a growth of 1.77 % YoY compared to August 2025.

Overall, Sri Lanka’s export performance during January-August 2026 demonstrates the continued resilience of the country’s external sector, with total exports surpassing the $ 12 billion milestone. The positive performance of both merchandise and services exports reflects continued progress towards developing a more diversified, competitive, and export-oriented economy, in line with Sri Lanka’s long-term economic development objectives.

The sustained expansion of services exports further underscores the increasing importance of Sri Lanka’s knowledge-based economy. High-value service industries, including ICT/BPM, construction, financial services, and transport and logistics continue to play a pivotal role in diversifying the country’s export basket, enhancing value addition, attracting foreign exchange earnings, and creating high-skilled employment opportunities.