Sri Lanka’s export sector continued its positive growth momentum in 2025, recording a notable y-o-y growth of 5.6 %. Based on Sri Lanka Customs statistics and estimated export figures for Gems and Jewellery, Petroleum Products, and services, total export earnings reached US$ 17,252.15 Mn in 2025, reflecting sustained growth and improving external trade conditions.
In December 2025, total exports, comprising both merchandise and services amounted to US$1,490.49 Mn, representing a 3.95 % y-o-y increase. This performance underscores the resilience of Sri Lanka’s export sector and the effectiveness of policy measures and strategic interventions aimed at expanding market access and strengthening global competitiveness.
Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Export Development Board (EDB), stated that Sri Lanka’s export earnings in 2025 reached US$17,252.15 Mn, achieving over 94.79 % of the export target. He noted that this performance highlights the resilience and competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s export sector, supported by the recovery of key export markets, sustained production capacity, and the effective implementation of export development strategies.
In December 2025, merchandise exports recorded a 5.88 % y-o-y increase, reaching US$1,166.60 Mn, according to provisional data of Sri Lanka Customs, including estimated figures for Gems and Jewellery and Petroleum Products. For the full year 2025, merchandise export earnings amounted to US$13,579.38 Mn, reflecting a 6.32 % increase compared to 2024.
During December 2025, services export earnings are estimated to have declined by 2.47 %, reaching US$ 323.89 Mn. However, on an annual basis, services exports recorded an estimated 2.79 % growth in 2025, totaling US$ 3,672.77 Mn. This performance underscores the growing significance of Sri Lanka’s knowledge-based economy and its increasing contribution to national export earnings.
The services export sector, encompassing ICT/BPM, Construction, Financial Services, and Transport and Logistics, continues to play a vital role in diversifying Sri Lanka’s export base while generating high-value employment opportunities across the country.
