Sri Lanka’s export sector continued its positive growth in 2026, with total export earnings surpassing the USD 10 billion mark during the first seven months of the year.
Estimated merchandise and services export earnings reached USD 10,487.80 million during the January-July 2026 period, recording a 5.5% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025.
Merchandise exports remained the largest contributor to overall export earnings, generating USD 8,188.32 million during the first seven months of 2026. This represents a 5.05% increase compared to the same period last year, reflecting the continued resilience of Sri Lanka’s merchandise export sector amid changing global market conditions.
Meanwhile, the services export sector also recorded strong growth, reaching an estimated USD 2,299.48 million during the January-July 2026 period. This marks a 7.02% increase compared to the corresponding period of 2025, further strengthening the contribution of services to Sri Lanka’s overall export earnings.
According to provisional data released by Sri Lanka Customs, together with estimated export values for gems and jewellery and petroleum products, merchandise export earnings in July 2026 amounted to USD 1,285.31 million, a marginal 1.3% decline compared to July 2025.
At the same time, services exports continued their positive growth trajectory, generating an estimated USD 351.92 million in July 2026, an increase of 3.75% compared to the same month of the previous year.
Accordingly, total export earnings, including both merchandise and services exports, reached an estimated USD 1,637.26 million in July 2026, recording a 2.63% increase compared to July 2025.
Commenting on Sri Lanka’s export performance in July 2026, Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe described surpassing the USD 10 billion mark in total export earnings during the first seven months of 2026 as a significant achievement.
He said the milestone reflects the resilience and determination of Sri Lanka’s export community. Despite uncertainties in the global trading environment, Sri Lankan exporters have continued to identify new opportunities, adapt to changing market conditions and compete successfully in international markets, he noted.
Wijesinghe further stressed that the current priority should be to sustain this growth momentum by strengthening the competitiveness of existing export sectors while accelerating the development of new products, services and markets.
He emphasized that achieving sustainable export growth requires greater value addition, innovation, adoption of technology, market diversification and integration into global value chains.
The EDB will continue to work closely with exporters, industry associations and government stakeholders to create a supportive environment for businesses to expand internationally and to support Sri Lanka’s aspiration to become a more diversified, competitive and resilient export-oriented economy, he added.
