• $ 7.3 b in first five months of 2026

Sri Lanka’s export sector earnings in May surged by 18.34% in year-on-year terms compared to May 2025, with a monthly earnings value of $ 1,570.64 million (m) posted. The cumulative sum of earnings between January and May of 2026 totals to $ 7.3 billion, provisional data from the Sri Lanka Customs shows. 

Further, the country’s combined merchandise and services exports earnings reached an estimated $ 7,393.39 m from January to May 2026, recording a 7.56% year-on-year growth compared to the corresponding period in 2025.

Analysis indicates that cumulative merchandise export earnings for the period January to May 2026 amounted to $ 5,758.44 m, reflecting a 7.63% increase compared to the same period in 2025.

Meanwhile, services exports continued their upward trajectory, recording an estimated 7.31% growth during the cumulative January-May period to reach $ 1,634.95 m, further reinforcing the sector’s expanding contribution to Sri Lanka’s overall export earnings.

According to provisional data released by Sri Lanka Customs, supplemented by estimated figures for Gems and Jewellery and Petroleum Products, merchandise exports in May 2026 amounted to $ 1,223.49 m, reflecting a significant 18.25% increase compared to May 2025.

The services export sector generated an estimated $ 347.15 m in May 2026, an increase of 18.67% compared to the same period last year. 

Commenting on the export performance in May 2026, Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe stated: “Sri Lanka’s export sector has demonstrated strong resilience and sustained growth momentum in 2026, surpassing the $ 7 billion milestone within the first five months of the year. The estimated export earnings of $ 7,393.39 m, recording a 7.56% growth compared to the corresponding period in 2025, reflect the strength, adaptability, and determination of Sri Lankan exporters. The outstanding performance in May 2026, with total exports reaching $ 1,570.64 m and achieving an 18.34% year-on-year growth, further highlights the positive trajectory of the country’s export sector, supported by the steady performance of both merchandise and services exports.

The Apparel and Textiles sector continued its positive performance in May 2026, with export earnings increasing by 6.66% year-on-year to reach $ 414.72 m. This growth was primarily supported by a notable 14.51% increase in exports to the United States, which remained a key market contributing to the sector’s overall expansion. The performance reflects the continued resilience, competitiveness, and global positioning of Sri Lanka’s apparel industry.

The Coconut-based Products sector recorded a strong performance in May 2026, with export earnings increasing by 17.13% compared to May 2025. All major product segments within the sector recorded positive growth, with coconut kernel products, coconut fibre products, and coconut shell products increasing by 6.13%, 32.95%, and 29.18%, respectively. This growth reflects sustained international demand, improved value addition, and the sector’s ability to cater to evolving global market requirements.

On the services export front, ICT/BPM exports are estimated to have maintained steady growth, reaching $ 158.21 m in May 2026. The continued expansion of this knowledge-intensive sector highlights the resilience of Sri Lanka’s services-driven economy and its increasing contribution to overall export earnings, while reinforcing the country’s position as an emerging destination for technology-enabled services.

Tea export earnings recorded a marginal decline of 1.12% year-on-year, reaching $ 130.33 m in May 2026, mainly due to a slight reduction in earnings from Tea Packets, which declined by 1.32%. The decline was primarily attributed to lower export performance in key markets, particularly in the Middle East region, where exports decreased by 42.32%. Within this region, shipments to the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Iraq recorded significant declines of 76.92%, 82.23%, and 61.43%, respectively. Despite these challenges, Sri Lanka’s tea sector continues to remain a key contributor to export earnings, supported by its strong global reputation and established market presence.