Sri Lanka’s Export Earnings Surpass US$ 12 Billion Mark in January–August 2026

Sri Lanka’s cumulative export earnings for the first eight months of 2026 have crossed the US$ 12 billion mark, reaching US$ 12.01 billion — a 4.26% increase over the corresponding period of 2025, according to provisional data released by the Export Development Board (EDB). Merchandise exports accounted for US$ 9.41 billion (up 3.63%), while services exports contributed US$ 2.60 billion (up 6.59%), led by a strong performance in the ICT/BPM sector which recorded US$ 1.15 billion in cumulative earnings.

Notable sectoral growth was recorded in spices and essential oils (up 24.09%), electrical and electronic components (up 57.49%), and processed food and beverages (up 19.99%). However, apparel and textiles — the country’s largest export segment — declined 6.76% to US$ 3.34 billion, with exports to the US, EU, and UK all contracting. EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe described the milestone as significant and reiterated the Board’s focus on competitiveness, value addition, and market diversification to sustain momentum toward the US$ 19 billion full-year target.

Source: Newswire – Sri Lanka export earnings surpass US$ 12 billion mark – September 23, 2026