Sri Lanka’s total exports reached US$ 13.61 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 5.04 percent from US$ 12.96 billion in the same period of 2025, according to export performance figures.

Merchandise exports grew 5.35 percent to US$ 10.76 billion in January to September, from US$ 10.22 billion a year earlier. The figures come from Sri Lanka Customs, together with estimates by the Export Development Board (EDB) for gems and jewellery and petroleum products.

Services exports rose 3.88 percent to US$ 2.85 billion, from US$ 2.74 billion in the same period of 2025.

September was the strongest month in the period. Total exports reached US$ 1.69 billion, up 17.23 percent from US$ 1.44 billion in September 2025.

Merchandise exports drove the monthly gain, rising 21.66 percent to US$ 1.39 billion from US$ 1.14 billion a year earlier. Services exports edged up 0.67 percent to US$ 306.17 million, from US$ 304.14 million in September 2025.

The EDB-linked statement said sustaining the momentum would need diversification of export products and markets, more value addition, better product quality and standards, and stronger competitiveness among exporters.

Background

Exports are one of the main ways Sri Lanka earns foreign currency, alongside tourism receipts and remittances from workers abroad. Merchandise exports cover goods such as apparel, tea, rubber products, spices and gems, while services exports include areas such as information technology, transport and business services.

The National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2026 to 2030 sets a target of US$ 36 billion in annual export earnings by 2030. The plan is described as a framework to speed up export growth through better trade facilitation, market development, investment promotion, innovation and greater private-sector involvement.

Officials have said coordination among government institutions, industry stakeholders and exporters will be needed to maintain growth and address emerging challenges.

What it means

Export earnings feed the supply of foreign exchange, which affects the cost of imported goods such as fuel, medicine and food. Steady growth in exports generally helps the external position of the economy.

The merchandise sector also provides jobs, particularly in manufacturing and in the regions where factories are located, so changes in order volumes can reach household incomes.