Sri Lanka exports 2026 crossed US$10 billion in the first seven months, driven by growth in merchandise and services earnings.
Sri Lanka exports 2026 crossed the US$ 10 billion mark during the first seven months of the year, extending the sector’s positive growth momentum despite changing global market conditions.
From January to July 2026, estimated export earnings from goods and services reached US$ 10,487.80 million. This represented growth of 5.5% compared with the corresponding period in 2025.
Sri Lanka Exports 2026 Led by Merchandise Earnings
Merchandise exports remained the largest contributor to total export income. During the January to July 2026 period, merchandise export revenue reached US$ 8,188.32 million.
That figure marked an increase of 5.05% compared with the same period last year. The performance highlights the continued strength of Sri Lanka’s merchandise export sector despite shifts in global market conditions.
Meanwhile, services exports also recorded strong growth. Estimated services export earnings reached US$ 2,299.48 million during the first seven months of 2026.
This represented growth of 7.02% compared with the previous year. As a result, the services sector further strengthened its contribution to Sri Lanka’s overall export earnings.
According to provisional data from Sri Lanka Customs, together with estimated export values for gems and jewellery and petroleum products, merchandise export revenue stood at US$ 1,285.31 million in July 2026.
However, that figure represented a slight decline of 1.3% compared with July 2025.
Services Maintain Positive Growth in July
Services exports continued their positive momentum during July. The sector earned an estimated US$ 351.92 million during the month, up 3.75% compared with July last year.
Accordingly, Sri Lanka’s combined goods and services export revenue reached an estimated US$ 1,637.26 million in July 2026. That represented growth of 2.63% compared with July 2025.
Commenting on the July performance, Sri Lanka Export Development Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe said, “crossing the US$ 10 billion mark in total export revenue within the first seven months of 2026 is a remarkable achievement for Sri Lanka and is a clear reflection of the resilience and determination of our export community.”
He added that “this performance confirms that Sri Lankan exporters continue to identify new opportunities, adapt to changing market conditions, and successfully compete in the international market despite the uncertainties prevailing in the global trade environment.”
Wijesinghe also said, “our current priority should be to further drive this growth momentum by strengthening the competitiveness of existing export sectors while accelerating the development of new products, services, and markets.”
He stressed that sustainable export growth requires higher value addition, innovation, technology adoption, market diversification and integration with global value chains.
Wijesinghe further stated that “the Export Development Board continues to work closely with exporters, industry associations, and government stakeholders to create a favorable environment for businesses to expand internationally and to support Sri Lanka’s ambition to become a more diversified, competitive, and resilient export-oriented economy.”
The first seven months of 2026 therefore show continued export expansion, with both merchandise and services supporting Sri Lanka’s push for stronger and more diversified external earnings.
