Sri Lanka’s Exports Rise 7% in 2025, Reflecting Strong Post-Pandemic Growth Momentum

Sri Lanka’s export sector has shown notable resilience and steady growth during the first nine months of 2025, with total earnings reaching US$ 12.99 billion, according to the Export Development Board (EDB). This marks a 7% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

In September 2025 alone, combined merchandise and services exports totaled US$ 1.47 billion, up 12.33% year-on-year, signaling robust performance across key sectors. Merchandise exports recorded a particularly strong 15.02% growth, reaching US$ 1.16 billion, based on provisional data from Sri Lanka Customs, which includes estimates for gems and jewellery as well as petroleum products.

Between January and September 2025, merchandise exports amounted to US$ 10.24 billion, a 7.59% increase compared to the same period last year. Services exports in September were estimated at US$ 306.09 million.

Among Sri Lanka’s top 10 export destinations, India, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the UAE, Canada, France, and China all posted year-on-year growth for both September and the cumulative nine-month period.

While exports to the United States, Sri Lanka’s largest single export destination accounting for 23% of total merchandise exports, declined by 2.84% to US$ 238.72 million in September 2025, cumulative exports to the U.S. rose 3.04% to US$ 2.25 billion over the first nine months.

India strengthened its position as Sri Lanka’s second-largest export destination, surpassing the United Kingdom. Exports to India climbed 31.7% in September to US$ 87.33 million, while cumulative exports for January–September 2025 grew 23.09% compared to the same period in 2024, the EDB confirmed.

Overall, the data underscores Sri Lanka’s improving export performance, supported by stronger regional trade ties and diversified product demand.