Sri Lanka’s Exports Surpass US$ 13.6 Bn in the First Nine Months of 2026, Recording 5% Growth

Sri Lanka’s total exports have reached US$ 13.61 Bn during the first nine months of 2026, recording a year-on-year growth of 5.04% compared with US$ 12.96 Bn in the corresponding period of 2025. This positive performance reflects the continued expansion of the country’s export sector, supported by growth in both merchandise and services exports.

According to the latest export performance figures released by Sri Lanka Customs, together with the EDB’s estimates for gems and jewellery and petroleum products, merchandise exports grew by 5.35% to US$ 10.76 Bn during January–September 2026, compared with US$ 10.22 Bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

Meanwhile, services exports grew by 3.88% to US$ 2.85 Bn, up from US$ 2.74 Bn in the corresponding period of the previous year. The performance of both segments highlights the importance of strengthening Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness while diversifying its sources of export earnings.

Strong Export Performance in September 2026

Sri Lanka recorded a particularly strong performance in September 2026, with total exports reaching US$ 1.69 Bn, an impressive year-on-year increase of 17.23% compared with US$ 1.44 Bn in September 2025.

Merchandise exports were the main driver of this monthly growth, increasing by 21.66% to US$ 1.39 Bn, compared with US$ 1.14 Bn in September 2025. Services exports also recorded a positive performance, rising by 0.67% to US$ 306.17 Mn from US$ 304.14 Mn in the corresponding month last year.

The strong growth in merchandise exports during September contributed significantly to the overall improvement in export earnings, reinforcing the positive trajectory of Sri Lanka’s export sector.

Sustaining Export Growth Towards National Targets

The export performance achieved during the first nine months of 2026 represents continued progress towards strengthening Sri Lanka’s position in international markets and expanding its contribution to the national economy. Sustaining this momentum will require continued efforts to diversify export products and markets, enhance value addition, improve product quality and standards, and strengthen the competitiveness of Sri Lankan exporters.

The National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2026–2030, which targets US$ 36 Bn in annual export earnings by 2030, provides a strategic framework for accelerating export growth through improved trade facilitation, market development, investment promotion, innovation, and enhanced private-sector engagement.

Building on the positive results recorded in the first nine months of 2026, continued coordination among government institutions, industry stakeholders, and exporters will be essential to maintaining growth, addressing emerging challenges, and realising Sri Lanka’s long-term export development ambitions.

Commenting on the export performance in September 2026, Mr.Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), stated:

“Sri Lanka’s total exports reaching US$ 13.61 Bn during the first nine months of 2026, representing a growth of 5.04% compared with the corresponding period of 2025, reflects the continued resilience and progress of our export sector. Particularly encouraging is the strong performance recorded in September, when total exports increased by 17.23% year-on-year to US$ 1.69 Bn, driven by a significant 21.66% growth 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.

As we move forward, our priority must be to sustain this growth momentum by strengthening the competitiveness of existing export sectors while accelerating the development of new products, services and markets. Enhancing value addition, promoting innovation and technology adoption, diversifying export markets, and integrating more deeply into global value chains will be essential to expanding export earnings and generating greater economic value for the country.

The EDB remains committed to working closely with exporters, industry associations and relevant government institutions to address emerging challenges, improve the trade and investment environment, and facilitate greater access to international markets. Through the effective implementation of the National Export Development Plan 2026–2030 and strengthened collaboration among all stakeholders, we aim to build on these positive results, achieve sustainable export growth, and advance Sri Lanka towards its long-term ambition of reaching US$ 36 Bn in annual export earnings by 2030.”