Sri Lanka’s export sector has achieved a significant milestone, with total exports surpassing US$ 9 billion during the first half of 2026, reflecting sustained growth across both merchandise and services despite continuing global economic challenges. According to the latest figures released by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), total exports reached an estimated US$ 9.01 billion between January and June 2026, representing an eight per cent increase compared with the corresponding period last year.
Merchandise exports generated US$ 7.07 billion during the six month period, recording an increase of 8.95 per cent, while services exports climbed to an estimated US$ 1.94 billion, up 4.49 per cent year on year. In June alone, total exports reached US$ 1.66 billion, driven by a robust rise in merchandise exports and continued expansion in services.
Commenting on the achievement, Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, said the country’s exporters had demonstrated remarkable resilience and competitiveness by adapting successfully to changing global market conditions. He noted that the continued expansion of both merchandise and services exports would strengthen foreign exchange earnings and support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.
Among the strongest performing sectors were electrical and electronic components, processed food and beverages, coconut based products, seafood, rubber based products and ICT and business process management services. However, apparel and textile exports, tea, and spices experienced declines owing to weaker demand in several key international markets.
Wijesinghe emphasised that the EDB would continue working closely with exporters and industry stakeholders to improve competitiveness through innovation, market diversification and value addition. He said the implementation of the National Export Development Plan 2026 to 2030 would provide a strategic framework for expanding Sri Lanka’s global market presence and promoting sustainable export led economic growth.
