July 01, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s export performance has shown encouraging signs of growth over the first five months of 2025, according to data released by the Export Development Board (EDB).
Both goods and services sectors have contributed to this steady upward trajectory, offering a measure of optimism for an economy that continues to rebuild its external sector resilience.
From January through May, total export earnings reached approximately US$ 6.93 billion, reflecting a 7.14 per cent rise compared to the same period last year.
The boost in earnings is attributed to improved global demand, a slight recovery in key markets, and targeted support extended to domestic producers and service providers.
The month of May alone brought in US$ 1.39 billion in export income, marking a year-on-year increase of 6.35 per cent. Merchandise exports accounted for the bulk of this figure, contributing over US$ 1.02 billion.
Whilst the increase in merchandise shipments stood at a modest 1.70 per cent compared to May 2024, the rise comes amid challenges such as fluctuating commodity prices and shifting trade conditions.
Between January and May, cumulative earnings from merchandise exports amounted to US$ 5.34 billion, up by 5.46 per cent from the same period last year. Sectors such as apparel, rubber-based products, electronics, and tea continued to play a key role in sustaining foreign exchange inflows.
Meanwhile, the services sector—often overshadowed by goods in trade reports—posted a robust performance. Service exports brought in US$ 1.59 billion during the same five-month period, reflecting an impressive 13.2 per cent growth compared to the previous year.
This segment includes ICT, professional services, and business process outsourcing, all of which have gained traction due to increased international demand and digital transformation.
