SL export income tops USD 1.5 bn. in Jan. 2026

2026-02-25 - 08:28

Sri Lanka’s export sector recorded total earnings of USD 1,532.6 million in Jan. 2026, marking a 13.71% increase compared to the same period last year, the Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman, Mangala Wijesinghe, announced. Speaking at a media briefing at the Department of Government Information yesterday (Feb. 24), he highlighted that this growth demonstrates renewed momentum in the country’s foreign trade sector. According to statistics released by Sri Lanka Customs, together with estimated export figures for gems and jewellery, petroleum products, and services, total export earnings reached USD 1,532.6 million. “This performance highlights the resilience and growing competitiveness of the country’s export sector, supported by the gradual recovery of key international markets, sustained industrial capacity, and the continued implementation of strategic export development initiatives. We remain confident that, with focused policy support and market diversification efforts, Sri Lanka is well positioned to maintain this positive momentum throughout 2026”, the Chairman noted. “In January 2026, merchandise exports recorded a year-on-year growth of 10.66 %, reaching USD 1,165.02 million, according to provisional data released by Sri Lanka Customs, including estimated figures for gems and jewellery and petroleum products. This steady expansion reflects improved demand across key product categories and the strengthening performance of the industrial export sector. Meanwhile, services export earnings for January 2026 are estimated to have increased significantly by 24.59%, reaching USD 367.55 million. This strong growth highlights the rising importance of Sri Lanka’s knowledge-based economy and its expanding contribution to overall national export earnings”, he added.