May 26, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka earned more than US$5.78 billion from exports during the first four months of 2026, recording a 4.3 per cent increase compared with the same period last year, as growth in services and emerging industries helped offset declines in traditional export sectors.
According to provisional figures released by the Export Development Board (EDB), total exports — including both merchandise and services — reached US$5.78 billion between January and April, while export earnings for April alone rose six per cent year-on-year to US$1.38 billion.
Merchandise exports during the four-month period climbed 4.8 per cent to US$4.52 billion, while services exports were estimated at US$1.26 billion, reflecting the increasing contribution of digital and knowledge-based industries to the economy.
Despite the overall growth, Sri Lanka’s apparel sector continued to face pressure from weaker demand in Western markets. Apparel and textile exports declined 7.4 per cent year-on-year to US$1.62 billion during the January–April period. Shipments to the United States fell by 5.65 per cent, while exports to the European Union and the United Kingdom dropped by 7.71 per cent and 9.71 per cent respectively.
Tea exports also remained under strain, with earnings falling 5.58 per cent to US$451.58 million during the first four months of the year. In April alone, tea export income declined 6.82 per cent, largely due to reduced shipments to Iraq, Libya, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
However, several non-traditional sectors posted strong performances. Electrical and electronic component exports surged 43.55 per cent year-on-year to US$185.54 million, driven by increased demand for electrical transformers, insulated wires, switches and industrial panels.
Processed food and beverage exports rose 30.62 per cent to US$237.7 million, while coconut-based products recorded a 21.38 per cent increase in earnings, reaching US$406.28 million during the period under review.
Seafood exports also expanded significantly, climbing 24.52 per cent to US$93.34 million due to higher exports of frozen and fresh fish. Meanwhile, ICT exports were estimated at US$581.7 million, reflecting a strong 22.63 per cent increase compared with the corresponding period last year.
Among export destinations, the United States remained Sri Lanka’s largest overseas market, accounting for around 22 per cent of total merchandise exports, although cumulative exports to the US declined 2.09 per cent to US$945.76 million.
India strengthened its position as Sri Lanka’s second-largest export destination, overtaking the United Kingdom after exports to India rose 8.9 per cent to US$364.15 million during the January–April period.
Meanwhile, exports to the United Arab Emirates fell 16.24 per cent, while exports to Middle Eastern markets overall — excluding Cyprus and Egypt — declined 19.31 per cent, highlighting the impact of geopolitical tensions and slowing regional demand on trade activity.