Sri Lanka’s total exports, comprising both merchandise and services, reached US$ 1,380.93 million in April 2026, recording a year-on-year growth of 6 % compared to April 2025.

According to provisional data released by Sri Lanka Customs, together with estimated figures for Gems & Jewellery and Petroleum Products, merchandise exports in April 2026 increased by 9.87% to US$ 1,063.77 million.

Earnings from services exports were estimated at US$ 317.16 million in April 2026, underscoring the growing importance of the services sector in driving Sri Lanka’s overall export performance.

On a cumulative basis, total exports for the period January to April 2026 are estimated at US$ 5,784.38 million, reflecting a growth of 4.3 % over the corresponding period in 2025.

Overall, the positive export performance recorded during the first four months of 2026 highlights the resilience of Sri Lanka’s external sector. Sustained export earnings, supported by stable merchandise trade and the growing contribution of services exports, indicate a steady and encouraging recovery trajectory for the Sri Lankan economy in 2026.

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

“Sri Lanka’s export sector continued to demonstrate resilience in April 2026, with total exports reaching US$ 1,380.93 million, recording a year-on-year growth of 6 % compared to April 2025. Merchandise exports recorded a notable increase of 9.87%, while services exports continued to make a significant contribution to overall export earnings, reflecting the growing importance of the services sector within the country’s export portfolio.

The cumulative export earnings of US$ 5,784.38 million during the first four months of 2026 underscore the stability and resilience of Sri Lanka’s export sector, despite challenging global economic conditions. Continued export promotion initiatives, market diversification efforts, and the implementation of strategic measures under the National Export Development Plan are expected to further strengthen export growth momentum and support the achievement of Sri Lanka’s export targets for 2026.”

Further analysis indicates that cumulative merchandise export earnings amounted to US$ 4,524.62 million during the period January to April 2026, reflecting a 4.8 % increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025.

Meanwhile, services exports maintained their positive growth momentum during the same period, increasing to an estimated US$ 1,259.76 million.

This steady expansion underscores the growing importance of Sri Lanka’s knowledge-based economy and its increasing contribution to national export earnings. The services sector, comprising ICT/BPM, Construction, Financial Services, and Transport & Logistics, continues to play a vital role in diversifying the country’s export base while generating high-value employment opportunities across the economy.

Major Exports in April 2026

Products and Services with Positive Growth (Increases)

Coconut-based products recorded a strong performance in April 2026, with export earnings increasing by 23.49 % year-on-year.

All major sub-sectors within the Coconut-based products sector recorded positive growth during April 2026. Exports of Coconut Kernel products, Coconut Fibre products, and Coconut Shell products increased by 7.29%, 27.24%, and 66.67%, respectively, reflecting strong global demand and increased value addition within the sector.

Among Coconut Kernel products, export earnings from Coconut Oil and Liquid Coconut Milk increased by 1.65% and 5.07%, respectively, compared to April 2025.

Within the Coconut Fibre products category, Coco Peat, Fibre Pith, and Moulded products, the largest contributors to the Coconut-based export sector, registered a notable growth of 11.63%, reaching US$ 18.62 million in April 2026. This performance further highlights the growing international demand for Sri Lanka’s value-added coconut fibre products.

Notably, Activated Carbon, one of the key value-added coconut shell-based export products, registered a significant increase of 58.32%, reaching US$ 20.55 million in April 2026. This highlights the growing contribution of high-value coconut-based products to Sri Lanka’s export earnings.

Export earnings from Rubber and Rubber-Based Products increased by 5.23% year-on-year to US$ 64.35 million in April 2026, supported by improved performance in several key product segments. Notably, exports of Industrial and Surgical Gloves of Rubber recorded a significant increase of 22.95%, contributing positively to the overall growth of the sector.

The Food & Beverages sector also demonstrated strong growth, recording a 45.17% year-on-year increase to reach US$ 63.18 million in April 2026. This expansion was largely driven by processed food exports, which account for nearly 50% of total Food & Beverages export earnings and recorded an impressive growth of 145.81%, reflecting rising international demand for Sri Lanka’s value-added food products.

Export earnings from Electrical and Electronic Components showed remarkable growth, increasing by 41.51% to US$ 43.50 million. This performance was supported by strong gains in Insulated Wires & Cables, Switches, Boards & Panels and Electrical Transformers, which grew by 45.75 %, 53.95% and 146.48%, respectively, compared to April 2025.

Exports of Spices and Essential Oils increased by 6.26% to US$ 25.45 million in April 2026, mainly driven by the strong performance of Cinnamon exports, which recorded a significant growth of 58.06% during the month.

Exports of Mineral and Mineral-Based Products increased by 6.79% in April 2026, reflecting improved demand in international markets.

Seafood exports recorded a significant year-on-year increase of 13.07%, reaching US$ 30.19 million in April 2026. This growth was mainly driven by the strong performance of key product categories, particularly frozen fish exports, which increased by 21.81% during the month.

Meanwhile, the Diamonds, Gems & Jewellery sector is estimated to have recorded a notable increase of 6.26%, reaching US$ 31.40 million in April 2026.

On the services front, ICT/BPM exports are estimated to have achieved steady growth, reaching US$ 146.09 million, while Financial Services exports expanded significantly by 119.41% to US$ 6.82 million. This continued upward momentum highlights the resilience and expanding role of Sri Lanka’s knowledge-based and services-driven economy, further strengthening its contribution to the country’s overall export performance.

Products with Negative Growth (Decreases)

Export earnings from Apparel & Textiles declined by 4.88 % year-on-year to US$ 346.67 million in April 2026. This downturn was primarily driven by a 2.71 % reduction in shipments to the United States, alongside a 9.21 % contraction in exports to the European Union. Exports to the United Kingdom also recorded a notable decline of 16.08 %, further contributing to the overall decrease in the sector’s performance.

Tea exports declined by 6.82 % year-on-year to US$ 100.02 million in April 2026, primarily due to reduced earnings from Bulk Tea (-9.96 %) and Tea Packets (-9.41 %). Export volumes also contracted by 1.26 %, reflecting weakened demand in key markets. Notably, exports to Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Libiya and the UAE declined significantly by 48.62 %, 6.68%, 55.42% and 75.34 %, respectively, exerting substantial downward pressure on overall sector performance.

Similarly, ornamental fish exports also registered a decline of 21.54 %, falling to US$ 2.44 million in April 2026.

Exports during the period of January – April 2026

Cumulative total exports, comprising both merchandise and services, are estimated at US$ 5,784.38 million during January–April 2026, reflecting a 4.3 % increase compared to the same period in 2025. Merchandise exports grew by 4.8 % to US$ 4,524.62 million, based on provisional data from Sri Lanka Customs along with estimated figures for Gems & Jewellery and Petroleum Products. Meanwhile, services exports rose to US$ 1,259.76 million, further highlighting the expanding contribution of the services sector to Sri Lanka’s overall export performance.

Products & Services with Positive Growth (Increases)

Earnings from Coconut-based products, Rubber based products, Processed Food and Beverages, and Electrical & Electronic Components increased by 17.96 %, 0.25%, 30.62%, and 43.55 %, respectively, during the first four months of 2026 compared to the corresponding period in 2025.

Export earnings from Coconut and Coconut-based products rose significantly by 21.38 % to US$ 406.28 million during January–April 2026 compared to the same period last year. This performance was supported by growth across all major coconut product categories, including Coconut Kernel products (17.96 %), Fibre products (5.78%), and Shell products (55.85 %).

The sector’s strong performance was primarily driven by increased export earnings from Coconut Oil (26.09 %), Desiccated Coconut (38.8 %), Coconut Cream (24.48 %), Liquid Coconut Milk (10.94 %), and Activated Carbon (49.38%), reflecting sustained global demand and continued value addition within the industry.

Export earnings from Rubber and Rubber Finished Products recorded a marginal increase of 0.25%, reaching US$ 313.22 million during the period January–April 2026 compared to the corresponding period in 2025. The overall performance of the sector was supported by the growth in exports of Pneumatic and Retreaded Rubber Tyres & Tubes, which increased by 3.47% during the period.

Export earnings from Food & Beverages increased by 30.62 % year-on-year to US$ 237.70 million during the period January to April 2026, supported by strong performance in processed food exports, which grew by 59.55 % to reach US$ 117.46 million.

Meanwhile, earnings from exports of Electrical and Electronic Components (EEC) increased by 43.55 % to US$ 185.54 million during January–April 2026 compared to the corresponding period in 2025. This growth was driven by strong performance across key product categories, including Electrical Transformers (+59.25%), Insulated Wires and Cables (+38.20%), and Switches, Boards & Panels (+29.45%).

Further, export earnings from Seafood increased significantly by 24.52% to US$ 93.34 million during the period January–April 2026 compared to the corresponding period in 2025. This growth was driven by strong performance across key product categories, particularly frozen fish and fresh fish exports, which increased by 18.77% and 50.45%, respectively, reflecting improved export volumes and stronger international demand.

Meanwhile, the estimated value of ICT exports is expected to increase by 22.63% to US$ 581.70 million during the period January to April 2026 compared to the corresponding period in 2025, highlighting the continued expansion and growing contribution of Sri Lanka’s digital and knowledge-based economy.

Products with Negative Growth (Decreases)

Export earnings from Apparel & Textiles declined by 7.4 % to US$ 1,618.63 million during the period January–April 2026 compared to the corresponding period in 2025. This contraction was primarily driven by weaker demand in key export markets, particularly the United States and the European Union, which together account for more than 50% of total market share. Exports to the United States declined by 5.65%, while shipments to the European Union and the United Kingdom decreased by 7.71% and 9.71%, respectively, contributing to the overall decrease in the sector.

Earnings from tea exports decreased by 5.58% year-on-year to US$ 451.58 million during the same period. This decline was mainly attributed to weaker performance in key product categories, with Bulk Tea exports falling by 9.45% and Tea Packet exports decreasing by 6.0% compared to the corresponding period in 2025.

In addition, export earnings from Spices and Essential Oils recorded a year-on-year decline of 3.42% to US$ 138.09 million during January–April 2026. This decrease was largely driven by the poor performance of key product categories, particularly Pepper, which declined sharply by 48.16%, significantly impacting overall sector earnings.

Table 1 shows a comparative analysis of merchandise export performance for April 2025–2026, along with the cumulative figures for the January–April period.

Sri Lanka’s Export Performance in Major Markets

Among the top fifteen export markets, China, France, Australia, Mexico, and Japan recorded positive year-on-year growth in both April 2026 and cumulatively for the January–April period, indicating emerging resilience across key international markets.

The United States, Sri Lanka’s largest single export destination accounting for approximately 22% of total merchandise exports, recorded a year-on-year increase of 3.15% to US$ 196.37 million in April 2026. However, cumulative exports for the period January to April 2026 declined by 2.09% to US$ 945.76 million compared to the corresponding period in 2025.

India consolidated its position as Sri Lanka’s second-largest export destination, surpassing the United Kingdom, with exports increasing by 8.9% to US$ 364.15 million during January–April 2026. However, exports to India recorded a marginal year-on-year decline of 1.41% in April 2026. Meanwhile, exports to the United Kingdom declined significantly by 15.18% to US$ 62.40 million in April 2026, with cumulative exports for January–April also decreasing by 7.96% compared to the corresponding period in 2025.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has consistently ranked among Sri Lanka’s top 15 export destinations in recent years, recorded a notable decrease in export earnings of 33.69 % in April 2026. On a cumulative basis, exports to the UAE also decreased by 16.24% during the January–April 2026 period.

This downward trend was further reflected in April’s year-on-year performance and is largely attributed to evolving geopolitical tensions between the United States and the Gulf region, which have impacted trade flows and market stability.

Table 2 shows a comparative analysis of merchandise export performance across the top 15 export markets for April 2025–2026, along with the cumulative figures for the January– April period.

Exports to FTA Partners (India & Pakistan)

April 2026

Exports to India and Pakistan together accounted for 8.74% of Sri Lanka’s total merchandise exports in April 2026, amounting to US$ 86.04 million, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 1.24%.

Exports to India declined by 1.41% to US$ 76.66 million in April 2026, primarily due to reduced demand for key export products, including Pepper (-74.31%), Pulp of Wood (-35.21%), Waste & Scrap of Paper and Paperboard (-22.71%), Men’s and Women’s Under Garments (-30.57%), and Coconut Milk Powder, along with selected industrial raw materials. This decline was partially offset by continued trade engagement under the Indo–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement.

Exports to Pakistan increased by 29.92 % to US$ 9.38 million, supported by higher shipments of Industrial & Surgical Gloves of Rubber, and chemical products.

January – April 2026

Over the cumulative period January–April 2026, exports to India expanded significantly by 8.9% to US$ 364.15 million, driven primarily by increased shipments of petroleum oils, animal feed, and areca nuts.

Meanwhile, exports to Pakistan recorded a strong increase of 37.75% to US$ 31.78 million, supported by robust performance in other textile articles, betel leaves, desiccated coconut, woven fabrics, and base metal products.

Sri Lanka’s Export Performance in Regions

Table 3 shows the comparison of region wise exports for April 2025 – 2026, along with the cumulative figures for the January–April period.

Exports to the European Union (EU), which represent 25.5% of Sri Lanka’s total merchandise exports, increased by 4.97 % in April 2026. Similarly, during the cumulative period from January to April 2026, increased by 4.62 %.

Exports to the top five EU markets were recoded as; Italy US$ 222.74 Mn (increased by 8.27 %), Germany US$ 215.63 Mn (decreased by 5.19 %), Netherlands US$ 137.63 Mn (decreased by 3.42 %), France US$ 88.1 Mn (increased by 3.88 %) and Belgium US$ 78.07 Mn (increased by 1.14 %) during the cumulative period of January to April 2026 in comparison to the corresponding period in 2025.

Sources:

Data was obtained from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and Sri Lanka Customs.

Export figures of Services, Gems & Jewellery, and Petroleum Products for April 2026 were estimated by the EDB