Record Export Growth: Sri Lanka Crosses Major US$9 Billion Milestone in First Half of 2026

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's export sector continued its strong upward trajectory during the first half of 2026, with the country's total exports surpassing the significant US$9 billion milestone.

According to the latest figures, Sri Lanka's combined merchandise and services exports reached an estimated US$9,012.24 million during the January to June 2026 period, recording an 8% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025.

Further analysis showed that cumulative merchandise export earnings for the first six months of the year amounted to US$7,073.31 million, representing an 8.95% year-on-year increase. The performance highlights steady growth across key export sectors and underscores the continued competitiveness of Sri Lankan products in international markets.

Meanwhile, the services export sector maintained its positive growth trend, generating an estimated US$1,938.94 million during the January-June 2026 period. This marked a 4.49% increase compared to the same period last year and further reinforced the sector's growing contribution to Sri Lanka's overall export earnings and external sector performance.

Provisional data released by Sri Lanka Customs, together with estimated export values for Gems and Jewellery as well as Petroleum Products, indicated that merchandise exports reached US$1,314.10 million in June 2026 alone. This represented a robust 15.09% increase compared to June 2025, demonstrating growing demand for Sri Lankan exports despite evolving global market conditions.

The services export sector also continued its expansion in June, generating an estimated US$344.52 million and recording a 3.75% increase compared to the corresponding month of the previous year. The sector's consistent growth has strengthened its role in generating foreign exchange earnings, supporting economic stability and enhancing Sri Lanka's overall export performance.

As a result, total exports, comprising both merchandise and services, reached an estimated US$1,658.62 million in June 2026, reflecting an impressive 12.53% year-on-year growth compared to June 2025. The strong performance demonstrates broad-based expansion across both goods and services exports and highlights the resilience, adaptability and competitiveness of Sri Lankan exporters in a rapidly changing global trading environment.

The country's export performance during the first half of 2026 highlights the strength of Sri Lanka's external sector and reflects continued progress towards building a more diversified, competitive and export-oriented economy. The achievement aligns with the country's long-term economic development objectives and signals growing confidence in Sri Lanka's ability to expand its presence in international markets.

The sustained growth of services exports also highlights the increasing importance of Sri Lanka's knowledge-based economy. High-value service industries, including Information and Communication Technology and Business Process Management (ICT/BPM), construction, financial services, transport and logistics, continue to play a key role in diversifying the country's export portfolio, enhancing value addition, attracting foreign exchange earnings and creating high-skilled employment opportunities.