Sri Lanka crosses US$ 14.4 bn in exports, sets new ten-month record

Sri Lanka’s export sector has continued its strong upward trajectory, recording a 6.0% growth during the period from January to October 2025. This marks the first time that exports have exceeded the fourteen-billion-dollar mark within the first ten months of a year.

According to data released by Sri Lanka Customs, together with estimated figures for gems and jewellery and petroleum products, total exports reached US$ 14,433.82 million, surpassing the performance of the corresponding period in 2024.

A key highlight is that coconut-based product exports surpassed the US$ 1 billion mark for the first time during this period.

Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Export Development Board (EDB), stated: “This is the highest-ever export figure recorded for the January–October period in Sri Lanka’s history. The continued recovery of key Western markets, together with the steady production capacity maintained by local industries, has played a pivotal role in driving this growth.”

“I commend our exporters for their resilience and outstanding performance. Notably, 80% of the annual export target of US$ 18 billion has already been realized during this period.”

In October 2025 alone, total exports comprising both merchandise and services reached US$ 1,474.38 million, reflecting a month-on-month increase of 2.2% compared with September 2025. It also represents a slight year-on-year increase of 0.16% compared with October 2024.

Despite the marginal annual increase, the October performance underscores the resilience of Sri Lanka’s export sector and the continued effectiveness of strategies aimed at expanding market access and strengthening global competitiveness.

Meanwhile, services exports have emerged as a key driver of overall export growth. In October 2025, earnings from services exports are estimated at US$ 316.14 million. Over the first ten months of the year, services exports are estimated to have grown by 4.01%, reaching US$ 3,060.21 million.

This trend highlights the rising importance of Sri Lanka’s knowledge-based economy and its growing contribution to national export earnings.

The services export sector consisting of ICT/BPM, construction, financial services, and transport and logistics continues to diversify Sri Lanka’s export portfolio and create high-value employment opportunities across the island.