Here is a refined 250-word news item in British English suitable for publication in Global CEO Magazine.
Sri Lanka’s exports demonstrated notable resilience during the first four months of 2026, surpassing US$ 5.7 billion despite continuing global economic uncertainties and challenging international trade conditions.
According to provisional data released by Sri Lanka Customs, total exports, including merchandise and services, reached US$ 5.78 billion from January to April 2026, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 4.3 per cent. In April alone, total exports increased by 6 per cent to US$ 1.38 billion compared to the corresponding month in 2025.
Merchandise exports for April 2026 rose by 9.87 per cent to US$ 1.06 billion, while services exports contributed an estimated US$ 317.16 million, further highlighting the growing importance of Sri Lanka’s knowledge-based economy.
Several sectors recorded strong growth during the period. Coconut-based products increased significantly, supported by rising demand for activated carbon, coco peat, coconut oil, and liquid coconut milk. Electrical and electronic components also recorded impressive growth, while food and beverage exports expanded strongly due to higher demand for processed food products.
Seafood exports rose by over 13 per cent in April, while ICT and BPM services continued their upward momentum, strengthening Sri Lanka’s services-driven export base.
However, traditional export sectors such as apparel and tea experienced declines amid weaker demand from key markets including the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom.
Despite these challenges, Sri Lanka’s export sector continues to demonstrate stability and adaptability, supported by export diversification strategies and ongoing export development initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s economic recovery trajectory in 2026.
