Sri Lanka’s export sector continued its growth momentum in the first half of 2026, with combined merchandise and services exports surpassing the US$9 billion milestone amid strong performances in several emerging and value-added export sectors.

Total exports during January to June 2026 were estimated at US$9.012 billion, representing an 8% increase compared with the corresponding period of 2025. Merchandise exports rose 8.95% year-on-year to US$7.073 billion, while services exports increased 4.49% to an estimated US$1.939 billion.

The June performance also remained robust, with total exports estimated at US$1.659 billion, up 12.53% from the same month last year. Merchandise exports rose 15.09% to US$1.314 billion, while services exports grew 3.75% to US$344.52 million.

The first-half performance was supported by strong growth in several sectors, particularly Electrical and Electronic Components, Food and Beverages, Coconut-based Products, Seafood and Rubber-based Products.

Electrical and Electronic Components emerged as one of the strongest performers, with exports surging 123.48% to US$450.20 million during the first six months. Growth was supported by increased exports of electrical transformers, insulated wires and cables, switches, boards and panels, as well as boilers, piston engines, pumps and vacuum pumps.

Food and Beverages exports rose 24.45% to US$347.13 million, driven mainly by a 44.07% increase in processed food exports. Coconut-based products also recorded significant growth of 14.59%, generating US$614.93 million, supported by higher earnings from kernel-, fibre- and shell-based products.

Seafood exports increased 17.61% to US$122.51 million, while Rubber and Rubber-based Products grew 5.24% to US$492.32 million.

The services sector also continued to strengthen its contribution to export earnings. ICT/BPM exports were estimated to have increased 17.63% to US$885.42 million during January-June, highlighting the growing importance of Sri Lanka’s knowledge-based and technology-enabled services economy.

However, traditional export sectors faced challenges. Apparel and Textiles earnings declined 6.07% to US$2.442 billion amid subdued demand in major markets, while Tea exports fell 5.69% to US$700.80 million. Spices and Essential Oils recorded a marginal 0.10% decline, mainly due to lower pepper exports.

Sri Lanka also recorded notable shifts in its export markets. India strengthened its position as the country’s second-largest export destination, with exports rising 36.16% to US$688.47 million during the first half. Exports to Turkey increased 98.36% to US$123.20 million, while exports to China rose 19.56% to US$159.22 million. By contrast, exports to the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates declined.

Exports to India and Pakistan, Sri Lanka’s Free Trade Agreement partners, also expanded strongly, with first-half exports rising 36.16% and 42.87%, respectively.

Commenting on the performance, Sri Lanka Export Development Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe said the results demonstrated the resilience and competitiveness of exporters. He said the EDB would continue to support innovation, market diversification, value addition and improved trade facilitation, while the National Export Development Plan 2026–2030 would provide a strategic framework for strengthening global market integration and sustainable export-led growth.

The first-half figures point to an increasingly diversified export base, with value-added manufacturing and knowledge-intensive services complementing traditional sectors and contributing to foreign exchange earnings and the country’s broader economic recovery.