Lanka’s exports hit US$ 11.6 Bn in August

Sri Lanka’s export sector continued to demonstrate resilience and steady growth during the first eight months of 2025, recording total earnings of US$11,554.32 million. This reflects a strong 6.61% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2024.

In August 2025 alone, total exports, comprising both merchandise and services, reached US$1,607.58 Mn, recording a 2.57% year-on-year growth over August 2024. This performance highlights the strength of Sri Lanka’s export sector and the effectiveness of strategies implemented to broaden market access and enhance global competitiveness.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Export Development Board (EDB), Mangala Wijesinghe, said that this encouraging growth highlights Sri Lanka’s increasing integration into global trade and the success of our continued efforts to strengthen export competitiveness while diversifying market opportunities.

“Our exporters have once again demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability in navigating evolving global challenges.”

Exports exceeded US$1.6 Bn in August alone, with cumulative earnings of over US$11.6 billion during the first eight months of 2025. These results reflect the strength, determination, and innovation of our exporters despite global uncertainties.

In August 2025 alone, merchandise exports grew by 5.13% year-on-year, reaching US$1,294.83 Mn, according to provisional data of Sri Lanka Customs. For the period January to August 2025, merchandise exports totaled US$9,092.85 Mn, reflecting a 6.89 % increase.

Meanwhile, services exports have emerged as a key driver of overall export growth. In August 2025, earnings from services exports are estimated to be US$312.75 Mn.

“Over the first eight months of the year, services exports are estimated to have increased by 5.57%, totaling US$2,461.46 Mn.”

Earnings from the export of Apparel, Tea, Coconut products, Spices & Concentrates, and Food & Beverages increased by 6.81%, 8.89%, 38.05%, 4.6 % and 22.11% respectively during the period of the first eight months of 2025.

Notably, exports to the United States, the United Kingdom, and EU region increased by 2.81%, 4.69 % and 14.5 % amounting to US$1,278.47 Mn, US$472.01 Mn, and US$1,060.57 Mn, respectively.