Sri Lanka’s export sector demonstrated remarkable resilience and steady progress during the first four months of 2025, with total exports reaching US$ 5,583.25 million, marking a robust 6.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
According to the Export Development Board (EDB), this upward trend reflects renewed momentum across key industries and underscores the sector’s adaptability in an evolving global trade landscape.
Total exports, including both merchandise and services, reached US$ 1,292.63 million in April 2025. This marks an impressive year-on-year growth of 8.74% over April 2024, reflecting the resilience of Sri Lanka’s export sector and the positive impact of strategic efforts to diversify markets and enhance competitiveness.
Commenting on the positive export performance, Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Export Development Board, stated, “This encouraging growth highlights Sri Lanka’s increasing integration into global trade and the success of our continued efforts to strengthen export competitiveness and expand market access. Our exporters have once again proven their resilience and adaptability in navigating dynamic global markets.”
In April 2025 alone, merchandise exports grew by 12.05% year-on-year, reaching US$ 983.33 million, according to provisional data of Sri Lanka Customs including the estimates for Gems & Jewellery and Petroleum Products. For the period January to April 2025, merchandise exports totaled US$ 4,334.22 million, reflecting 6.86% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Meanwhile, services exports have emerged as a key driver of overall export growth. In April 2025, estimated earnings from services exports reached US$ 309.3 million. Over the first four months of the year, services exports are estimated to have increased by 7.06%, totaling US$ 1,189.63 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, comprising ICT/BPM, Construction, Financial services, and Transport & Logistics, continues to diversify Sri Lanka’s export portfolio and create high-value employment opportunities across the Island.
Full statement :
Major Exports in April 2025
- Products and Services with Positive Growth (Increases)
Export earnings from Apparel & Textile increased by 13.52 % y-o-y to US$ 364.47 Mn in April 2025 compared to April 2024.
Export earnings from tea, which made up 12% of merchandise exports, increased by 12.45 % y-o-y to US$ 107.34 Mn in April 2025 compared to April 2024. This increase is mainly due to the strong performance in the export of Tea Packets (27.6 %).
In addition, the volume of tea exports increased by 11.17 % in April 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. Notably, tea exports to Iraq, Libya and Iran recorded significant increases of 46.7 %, 292.3%, and 115.96 %, respectively.
A monthly analysis reveals that export earnings from coconut-based products saw a significant increase of 21.54% in April 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. Notably, earnings from Coconut kernel products increased by 36.23%, Coconut fibre products by 49.66%, and Coconut shell products by 22.35%, reflecting strong global demand and improved value addition across the sector.
Export earnings from Coconut Oil, Coconut Milk powder, Coconut Cream and Liquid Coconut Milk, which are categorized under the Coconut kernel products, increased by 64.86 %, 107.43%, 57.5 % and 18.3 % respectively in April 2025 compared to April 2024.
Being the largest contributor to the Coconut-based sector, Coco Peat, Fibre Pith & Moulded products, which are categorized under the Coconut fibre products, increased by 3.32 % to US$ 15.89 Mn in April 2025 in comparison to April 2024.
Earnings from Activated Carbon, which is categorized under the Coconut shell products, increased by 14.36 % to US$ 12.98 Mn in April 2025 compared to April 2024.
Similarly, export earnings from Spices and Essential Oils increased by 32.83 % to US$ 23.95 Mn in the month of April 2025 compared to the month of April 2024, mainly due to the strong performance in the export of Pepper (185.77 %) and Cloves (106.98 %).
Export earnings from Food & Beverages have increased by 34.53 % y-o-y to US$ 43.52 Mn in April 2025, with the positive performance in exports of Processed Food (77.52%).
Furthermore, export earnings from Ornamental fish increased by 12.27 % to US$ 3.11 Mn in April 2025 compared to April 2024.
Meanwhile, export earnings from the Boat Building sector reached US$ 15.05 Mn in April 2025, driven largely by a significant shipment valued at US$ 13.37 Mn to Norway. This reflects the sector’s growing international demand and Sri Lanka’s capabilities in specialized manufacturing.
Furthermore, the estimated value of Logistics & transport services is expected to increase by 12.66 % to US$ 147.65 Mn in April 2025 when compared to April 2024.
- Products with Negative Growth (Decreases)
Export earnings from Rubber and Rubber Finished products have decreased by 8.16 % y-o-y to US$ 61.15 Mn in April 2025, with the poor performance in exports of Pneumatic & Retreated Rubber Tyres & Tubes (-17.28 %).
In addition, export earnings from the Electrical & Electronics Components decreased by 0.1 % y-o-y to US$ 30.75 Mn in April 2025, with notable declines in the exports of Insulated Wires and Cables (-2.56 %), Printed Circuits (-23.53%) and Other Electrical & Electronic Products (-22.79%).
Export earnings from Seafood decreased by 0.34 % to US$ 26.7 Mn in April 2025 compared to April 2024. This decrease was mainly due to the negative performance in the export of Frozen fish (- 6.65 %) and Shrimps (-34.34 %).
Exports during the period of January – April 2025
Cumulative total exports, including both merchandise and services, were estimated at US$ 5,523.85 Mn for the period January to April 2025, making a notable 6.9% growth compared to the same period in 2024.
Merchandise exports during the first four months of 2025 are estimated to increase by 6.86 %, reaching US$ 4,334.22 Mn, based on data from Sri Lanka Customs, along with the estimated figures for Gems & Jewellery and Petroleum Products.
Products & Services with Positive Growth (Increases)
Earnings from export of Apparel, Tea, Coconut products, Spices & Concentrates and Food & Beverages increased by 11.59 %, 6.23 %, 25.3 %, 63.44 % and 14.65 % respectively during the period of the first four months of 2025 in comparison to the corresponding period of 2024.
Earnings from the export of Apparel & Textile have increased by 11.59 % to US$ 1,497.91 Mn during the period of January to April 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, exports to the United States and the United Kingdom increased by 10.25 % and 6.41 %, amounting to US$ 621.84 Mn and US$ 250.48 Mn, respectively.
Earnings from the export of Tea increased y-o-y by 6.23 % to US$ 478.29 Mn in the period of January to March 2025. This increase was mainly due to the strong performance in the export of Tea Packets (18.57 %).
Export earnings of Coconut & Coconut-based products increased by 25.3 % to US$ 331.3 Mn during the first four months of 2025 compared to the previous year. Earnings from all the major categories of Coconut based products increased in the period of January to April 2025 compared with the corresponding period of 2024 due to the strong performance in export of Coconut Oil (60.05 %), Desiccated Coconut (6.8 %), Coconut Milk Powder (88.64 %), Coconut Cream (51.7 %), Liquid Coconut Milk (21.72 %), Cocopeat (20.01 %) and Activated Carbon (13.03 %).
In addition, export earnings from Spices and Essential Oils increased y-o-y by 63.44 % to US$ 142.98 Mn in the period of first four months of 2025. This increase was due to the strong performance in exports of Pepper (224.59 %), Cinnamon (16.11 %) & Cloves (353.77 %).
Export earnings from Food & Beverages have increased by 14.65 % y-o-y to US$ 181.98 Mn in the first four months of 2025, with the positive performance in exports of Processed food (36.26 %).
Furthermore, the estimated value of ICT/ BPM exports is expected to increase by 4.91 % to US$ 492.71 Mn during the period of January to April 2025, when compared to the corresponding period of 2024.
In addition, the estimated value of Logistics & transport services is expected to increase by 20.69 % to US$ 648.71 Mn during the period of January to April 2025, when compared to the corresponding period of 2024.
Products with Negative Growth (Decreases)
Export earnings from Rubber & Rubber finished products decreased by 6.74 % to US$ 312.43 Mn in the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, attributed to decreased exports of Pneumatic & Retreated Rubber Tyres & Tubes (-22.47 %).
Further, export earnings from Seafood decreased by 17.34 % to US$ 74.96 Mn during the first four months of 2025 compared to 2024 due to the negative performance in Fresh Fish (-33.83 %) and Shrimps (-69.14 %).
Meanwhile, earnings from export of Electrical and Electronic Components (EEC) decreased by 6.29 % to US$ 129.26 Mn in the first four months of 2025 compared to the corresponding period of 2024. This decrease was due to the poor performance in exports of Insulated Wires and Cables (-13.72 %) and Printed Circuits (-77.88 %).
Table 1 shows the comparison of Merchandise export performance during the month of April 2025 and the period of January to April 2025 compared to 2024.
Table 1: Comparison of Product-wise Merchandise Export Performance
Values in US$ Mns
| Exports of Goods & Services | Jan-Apr 2024 | Jan-Apr 2025 | % Growth
(24-25) |
Apr
2024 |
Apr
2025 |
% Growth
(24-25) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apparel & Textile | 1,566.39 | 1,747.91 | 11.59 | 321.06 | 364.47 | 13.52 |
| Tea | 450.23 | 478.29 | 6.23 | 95.46 | 107.34 | 12.45 |
| Rubber-based | 335.00 | 312.43 | -6.74 | 66.58 | 61.15 | -8.16 |
| Coconut-based | 264.40 | 331.30 | 25.30 | 60.76 | 73.85 | 21.54 |
| Diamond, Gems & Jewelery | 142.70 | 120.13 | -15.82 | 29.76 | 27.91 | -6.19 |
| Electronics & Electronic Components | 137.93 | 129.26 | -6.29 | 30.78 | 30.75 | -0.10 |
| Spices and Concentrates | 87.48 | 142.98 | 63.44 | 18.03 | 23.95 | 32.83 |
| Processed Food & Beverages | 158.72 | 181.98 | 14.65 | 32.35 | 43.52 | 34.53 |
| Seafood | 90.68 | 74.96 | -17.34 | 26.79 | 26.70 | -0.34 |
| Ornamental Fish | 8.52 | 7.16 | -15.96 | 2.77 | 3.11 | 12.27 |
| Vegetables | 9.68 | 10.12 | 4.55 | 3.59 | 4.63 | 28.97 |
| Fruits | 13.25 | 13.94 | 5.21 | 3.25 | 4.89 | 50.46 |
| Other Export Crops | 23.28 | 20.05 | -13.87 | 5.35 | 7.39 | 38.13 |
| Flowers & Foliage | 4.94 | 4.70 | -4.86 | 1.69 | 1.75 | 3.55 |
| Boat Building | 11.06 | 20.73 | 87.43 | 0.10 | 15.05 | 14950.00 |
| Petroleum Products | 369.75 | 342.10 | -7.48 | 90.58 | 83.09 | -8.27 |
| Others | 382.05 | 396.19 | 3.70 | 88.68 | 103.78 | 17.03 |
| Total Merchandize Exports | 4,056.06 | 4,334.22 | 6.86 | 877.58 | 983.33 | 12.05 |
| ICT/ BPM Services | 469.65 | 492.71 | 4.91 | 151.47 | 144.04 | -4.91 |
| Construction Services | 80.20 | 42.08 | -47.53 | 19.84 | 15.71 | -20.79 |
| Financial Services | 23.81 | 6.12 | -74.30 | 8.76 | 1.89 | -78.40 |
| Transport & Logistics | 537.51 | 648.71 | 20.69 | 131.06 | 147.65 | 12.66 |
| Total Services Exports | 1,111.17 | 1,189.63 | 7.06 | 311.14 | 309.30 | -0.59 |
| Total Exports | 5,167.23 | 5,523.85 | 6.90 | 1,188.72 | 1,292.63 | 8.74 |
Sri Lanka’s Export Performance in Major Markets
Among the top 10 export markets of Sri Lanka, the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Germany, and the Netherlands have shown positive growth in both April 2025 and the cumulative period of January to April 2025 compared to the corresponding periods in 2024.
United States, Sri Lanka’s single largest export destination, which absorbs 23% of Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports, increased by 3.82 % to US$ 190.38 Mn in April 2025 compared to April 2024. However, exports to the United States over the cumulative period from January to April 2025 increased by 7.94 %, reaching US$ 965.97 Mn.
Similarly, exports to the United Kingdom increased by 11.23 % to US$ 73.57 Mn in April 2025 compared to the corresponding month in 2024. Meanwhile, exports to the United Kingdom increased by 6.14 % to US$ 323.91 Mn in the cumulative period of January to April 2025 compared to the corresponding period in 2024.
Significantly, India has emerged as Sri Lanka’s second-largest export destination, surpassing the United Kingdom. Exports to India increased sharply by 36.59% to US$ 77.76 Mn in April 2025, while cumulative exports from January to April 2025 surged by 39.69%, reaching US$ 324.40 Mn compared to the same period in 2024.
Table 2 shows the comparison of the Merchandise export performance of the top 15 export markets during the month of April 2025 and the period of January to April 2025, compared to 2024.
Table 2: Comparison of Merchandise Export Performance of Top 15 Export Destinations
Values in US$ Mns
| Destination | Jan-Apr 2024 | Jan-Apr 2025 | % Growth
(24-25) |
Apr
2024 |
Apr
2025 |
% Growth
(24-25) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 894.94 | 965.97 | 7.94 | 183.37 | 190.38 | 3.82 |
| 2 | India | 239.39 | 334.40 | 39.69 | 56.93 | 77.76 | 36.59 |
| 3 | United Kingdom | 305.16 | 323.91 | 6.14 | 66.14 | 73.57 | 11.23 |
| 4 | Italy | 198.59 | 205.72 | 3.59 | 40.77 | 52.92 | 29.80 |
| 5 | Germany | 205.01 | 227.44 | 10.94 | 41.07 | 45.91 | 11.78 |
| 6 | United Arab Emirates | 114.74 | 102.89 | -10.33 | 22.27 | 20.78 | -6.69 |
| 7 | Netherlands | 114.08 | 142.50 | 24.91 | 26.26 | 29.30 | 11.58 |
| 8 | France | 84.94 | 84.81 | -0.15 | 24.32 | 19.67 | -19.12 |
| 9 | Canada | 103.57 | 101.13 | -2.36 | 19.31 | 23.17 | 19.99 |
| 10 | China | 83.10 | 88.78 | 6.84 | 21.24 | 19.66 | -7.44 |
| 11 | Australia | 78.35 | 80.44 | 2.67 | 17.40 | 16.25 | -6.61 |
| 12 | Belgium | 72.06 | 77.19 | 7.12 | 16.64 | 18.00 | 8.17 |
| 13 | Turkey | 42.40 | 35.97 | -15.17 | 9.48 | 7.13 | -24.79 |
| 14 | Japan | 56.83 | 58.21 | 2.43 | 12.57 | 14.12 | 12.33 |
| 15 | Switzerland | 55.58 | 65.41 | 17.69 | 12.45 | 21.83 | 75.34 |
| Others | 1407.32 | 1439.45 | 2.28 | 307.36 | 352.88 | 14.81 | |
| Total | 4,056.06 | 4,334.22 | 6.86 | 877.58 | 983.33 | 12.05 |
Exports to FTA Partners (India & Pakistan)
- April 2025
In April 2025, exports to India and Pakistan accounted for 6.5% of total merchandise exports, registering a significant year-on-year increase of 38.11% to reach US$ 84.99 Mn compared to April 2024.
Exports to India increased by 36.59%, primarily driven by increased shipments of Animal Feed and Pepper. Meanwhile, exports to Pakistan surged by 56.28%, largely attributed to a sharp rise in demand for Betel Leaves. These figures reflect growing regional trade engagement and the continued strengthening of Sri Lanka’s export ties within South Asia.
- January – April 2025
During the period from January to April 2025, exports to India and Pakistan accounted for 7.2% of Sri Lanka’s total merchandise exports, recording a substantial increase of 36.35% to reach US$ 357.48 Mn compared to the same period in the previous year.
Exports to India increased significantly by 39.69%, driven primarily by increased shipments of Animal feed and Pepper. Meanwhile, exports to Pakistan increased modestly by 1.23%, supported by higher demand for Sheet Rubber, Coconut Ekels, and Other Base Metal Products. This growth reflects the strengthening of trade ties within the South Asian region and the growing demand for Sri Lankan products in neighbouring markets.
Sri Lanka’s Export Performance in Regions
Table 3 shows the comparison of region-wise exports during the month of April 2025 and the period of January to April 2025 compared to 2024.
Table 3: Comparison of Region-wise Merchandise Export Performance
Values in US$ Mns
| Region | Jan-Apr 2024 | Jan-Apr 2025 | % Growth
(24-25) |
Apr
2024 |
Apr
2025 |
% Growth
(24-25) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAFTA | 1,057.98 | 1,118.71 | 5.74 | 213.95 | 222.92 | 4.19 |
| European Union (EU) excluding UK | 864.96 | 949.51 | 9.78 | 193.50 | 214.50 | 10.85 |
| South Asia | 366.91 | 441.22 | 20.25 | 86.00 | 104.24 | 21.21 |
| Middle East Countries (excl. Cyprus & Egypt) | 329.00 | 334.21 | 1.58 | 60.39 | 74.64 | 23.60 |
| African Countries | 93.85 | 124.86 | 33.04 | 28.52 | 32.80 | 15.01 |
| ASEAN | 109.98 | 113.65 | 3.34 | 23.50 | 24.78 | 5.45 |
| CIS Countries | 87.47 | 86.45 | -1.17 | 22.20 | 16.07 | -27.61 |
| Others | 1,145.91 | 1,165.61 | 1.72 | 249.52 | 293.38 | 17.58 |
| Total Merchandise Exports | 3,178.48 | 3,325.09 | 4.61 | 1,148.48 | 1,215.90 | 5.87 |
Exports to the European Union (EU), which accounts for 24% of Sri Lanka’s exports during both April 2024 and the cumulative period of January to April 2024, increased respectively by 10.85 % and 9.78 %.
Exports to the top five EU markets were recorded as: Germany US$ 227.44 Mn (increased by 10.94 %), Italy US$ 205.72 Mn (increased by 3.59 %), Netherlands US$ 142.5 Mn (increased by 24.91 %), France US$ 84.81 Mn. (decreased by 0.15 %) and Belgium US$ 77.19 Mn (increased by 7.12 %) during the cumulative period of January to April 2025 in comparison to the corresponding period in 2024. (Newswire)