Export earnings exceed $ 9 b in 1H, highlighting the resilience of Sri Lanka’s export sector as merchandise and services exports continued to grow despite ongoing global economic uncertainties, according to the latest figures released by the Export Development Board (EDB).
Export earnings exceed $ 9 b in 1H as Sri Lanka exports maintain strong momentum
Sri Lanka’s total export earnings reached US$9.01 billion during the first six months of 2026, representing a 7.96% year-on-year increase, driven by solid performances in both merchandise and services exports. The latest data underscores the sector’s growing contribution to foreign exchange earnings and the country’s broader economic recovery.
According to the Export Development Board (EDB), merchandise exports increased by 8.95% year-on-year to US$7.07 billion between January and June, while estimated services exports rose 4.49% to US$1.93 billion.
The momentum continued in June, when total exports climbed 12.53% year-on-year to US$1.65 billion. Merchandise exports for the month surged 18.25% to more than US$1.31 billion, while services exports increased 3.75% to US$344.52 million. Total export earnings also recorded a 7.37% month-on-month increase compared with May 2026.
Commenting on the performance, Export Development Board Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe said the latest results demonstrate the resilience and competitiveness of Sri Lankan exporters despite challenging global market conditions.
He noted that sustained growth across both goods and services exports reflects the sector’s ability to adapt to changing international demand while strengthening its contribution to economic recovery and foreign exchange generation.
Wijesinghe also reaffirmed the EDB’s commitment to supporting exporters through innovation, market diversification, value addition and improved trade facilitation. He said the implementation of the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2026–2030 will provide a strategic framework to enhance competitiveness, integrate Sri Lanka into global value chains and promote sustainable export-led growth.
Among merchandise exports, the industrial sector delivered one of the strongest performances during the first half of the year. Electrical and Electronic Components (EEC) exports rose an impressive 123.48% to US$450.20 million, supported by higher shipments of electrical transformers, insulated wires and cables, and switches and panels. Machinery exports, including boilers, piston engines, pumps and vacuum pumps, also recorded notable growth.
Processed food and beverage exports increased 24.45% to US$347.13 million, with processed food exports alone rising 44.07%, reflecting increasing international demand for Sri Lanka’s value-added food products.
Agricultural exports also recorded strong gains. Coconut-based products generated US$614.93 million, an increase of 14.59%, supported by higher exports of coconut oil, desiccated coconut, liquid coconut milk and activated carbon. Rubber exports climbed 5.24% to US$492.32 million, while seafood exports rose 17.61% to US$122.51 million, driven by stronger shipments of frozen and fresh fish.
However, tea exports declined 5.69% year-on-year to US$700.80 million, mainly due to lower exports of bulk tea and tea packets during the January-June period.
On the services side, ICT/BPM exports continued their strong growth trajectory, increasing 17.66% to US$885.42 million, while financial services exports expanded 28.32% to US$29.23 million.
Market performance remained mixed across Sri Lanka’s major export destinations. India strengthened its position as the country’s second-largest export market after cumulative exports surged 36.16% to US$688.47 million, while exports to India in June alone jumped 156.73%. Exports to the United States remained broadly stable, increasing 0.13% during the first half despite a slight decline in June. Meanwhile, exports to the European Union rose 2.49% during January-June despite weaker performance in June, while shipments to the United Kingdom declined during both the month and the cumulative period.
Export earnings exceed $ 9 b in 1H as Sri Lanka continues pursuing its ambitious US$20 billion export target for 2026. The Government expects merchandise exports to exceed US$15.7 billion this year, while services exports are projected to reach US$4.3 billion, reinforcing the importance of Sri Lanka exports in driving economic growth, foreign exchange earnings and long-term development.