COLOMBO — Merchandise exports led the increase, rising 21.66% in September, while cumulative export earnings recorded 5.04% growth during the first nine months of 2026.
Sri Lanka’s total export earnings reached US$13.61 billion during the first nine months of 2026, an increase of 5.04% from US$12.96 billion in the corresponding period last year, according to figures released by Sri Lanka Customs and estimates from the Export Development Board (EDB).
The growth was supported by higher earnings from both merchandise and services exports, with September recording a particularly strong performance.
Total exports during the month climbed 17.23% year on year to US$1.69 billion, compared with US$1.44 billion in September 2025, driven primarily by a sharp increase in merchandise shipments.
Merchandise Exports Lead Nine-Month Growth
Between January and September, merchandise export earnings increased by 5.35% to US$10.76 billion, up from US$10.22 billion during the same period in 2025.
The figures, based on Sri Lanka Customs data and EDB estimates for gems and jewellery and petroleum products, show that merchandise remained the country’s largest source of export earnings.
Services exports also grew, rising 3.88% to US$2.85 billion from US$2.74 billion a year earlier.
Together, the two categories contributed to the 5.04% increase in total export revenue over the nine-month period.
September Exports Jump 17.23%
September’s performance was considerably stronger than the cumulative growth recorded during the first nine months.
Merchandise exports rose 21.66% to US$1.39 billion, compared with US$1.14 billion in September 2025, accounting for most of the increase in monthly export earnings.
Services exports recorded more modest growth of 0.67%, reaching US$306.17 million from US$304.14 million a year earlier.
The figures indicate that merchandise shipments were the principal driver of September’s expansion, while services contributed a smaller increase.
EDB Chief Highlights Export Sector Resilience
Commenting on the results, Sri Lanka Export Development Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe said the country’s performance reflected the continued resilience of its export sector.
He noted that earnings of US$13.61 billion during January–September represented a 5.04% improvement over the corresponding period of 2025, while September’s 17.23% growth was supported by a 21.66% increase in merchandise exports.
“This performance demonstrates the potential of Sri Lankan exporters to strengthen their presence in international markets despite an increasingly competitive global trading environment,” Wijesinghe said.
The latest results show that merchandise exports accounted for US$10.76 billion of Sri Lanka’s US$13.61 billion in total earnings during the first nine months, with services contributing US$2.85 billion.
September’s stronger merchandise performance provides a positive indication of export momentum entering the final quarter, although the extent to which that growth can be sustained will depend on trading conditions and exporter performance during the remaining months of 2026.
