Sri Lanka’s export sector has continued its positive growth momentum in 2026, with total export earnings surpassing the USD 10 billion mark during the first seven months of the year.
Estimated earnings from merchandise and services exports reached USD 10.4878 billion from January to July 2026, recording a 5.5% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025.
Merchandise exports remained the largest contributor to overall export earnings, generating USD 8.18832 billion during the first seven months of 2026. This represents a 5.05% increase compared to the same period last year, highlighting the continued resilience of Sri Lanka’s merchandise export sector amid changing global market conditions.
Meanwhile, the services export sector also maintained strong growth, with estimated earnings reaching USD 2.29948 billion during January-July 2026. This marks a 7.02% increase compared to the corresponding period in 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 1.28531 billion. This was a marginal 1.3% decline compared to July 2025.
However, 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 last year.
Accordingly, Sri Lanka’s total exports of goods and services are estimated to have reached USD 1.63726 billion in July 2026, reflecting a 2.63% year-on-year increase.
Commenting on the export performance in July, Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe said surpassing USD 10 billion in total export earnings within the first seven months of 2026 was a significant achievement for the country.
He said the achievement demonstrates the resilience and determination of Sri Lanka’s export community.
Wijesinghe noted that 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 emphasized 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 further stressed that higher value addition, innovation, adoption of technology, market diversification and integration with global value chains would be essential to achieving sustainable export growth.
Wijesinghe added that the EDB will continue to work closely with exporters, industry associations and government stakeholders to create a conducive environment for businesses to expand internationally and support Sri Lanka’s ambition of becoming a more diversified, competitive and resilient export-oriented economy.
