Sri Lanka’s export sector has shown strong resilience and steady recovery in the first half of 2025, achieving a total export value of US$ 8.34 billion, reflecting a 6.7% growth compared to the same period last year, according to the Export Development Board (EDB).
The combined exports for June 2025 alone reached US$ 1.46 billion, marking an 8.73% year-on-year growth, driven by solid performance in both merchandise and services. Merchandise exports rose by 6.85%, reaching US$ 1.15 billion, while services exports were estimated at US$ 309.6 million, representing a growing share of national export income.
For the January–June 2025 period, merchandise exports totaled US$ 6.5 billion, up by 5.86% from the previous year. Meanwhile, services exports surged 9.78% to reach US$ 1.83 billion, underscoring the increasing contribution of Sri Lanka’s knowledge-driven sectors such as ICT/BPM, Construction, Financial Services, and Logistics & Transport.
Key Sectoral Highlights:
Tea Exports: Tea, accounting for 12.8% of merchandise exports, earned US$ 132.97 million in June 2025, rising 9.21% year-on-year. The increase was driven by robust demand for Tea Packets (+25.53%) and Instant Tea (+49.65%). Export volumes grew 11.02%, with notable gains in shipments to Iraq (+82.99%) and Libya (+172.38%), despite a sharp drop in exports to Iran (-55.31%).
Coconut-Based Products: A standout performer in June 2025, this category grew 59.62% year-on-year. Subcategories recorded sharp increases: Coconut kernel products (+88.56%), fiber products (+33.61%), and shell products (+13.09%). Key items such as Coconut Oil (+97.09%) and Coconut Cream (+131.26%) saw strong global demand.
Apparel & Textiles: The sector saw modest growth of 3.71%, totaling US$ 463.12 million in June 2025, reflecting gradual recovery in global fashion markets.
Gems & Jewellery: Estimated to grow by 26.96% to US$ 37.9 million, aided by steady demand and value addition.
ICT/BPM Exports: One of the fastest-growing service sectors, ICT/BPM exports jumped 34.12%, earning US$ 147.18 million in June alone.
Transport & Logistics: This sub-sector generated US$ 148.18 million, growing by 12.39%, reinforcing its role in export service expansion.
Food & Beverages: Earnings rose 28.33%, reaching US$ 47.43 million, driven by a 46.44% boost in processed food exports.
Areas of Concern:
While several sectors recorded growth, others faced downturns:
Spices & Essential Oils fell 27.16%, mainly due to a 57.13% drop in pepper exports.
Seafood exports declined 23.83%, with fresh/chilled fish falling 63.35%.
Ornamental Fish dropped sharply by 54.66%, totaling just US$ 1.07 million.
Rubber Products dipped 1.04%, driven by a 66.67% fall in sheet rubber.
Electrical & Electronic Components contracted 5.58%, totaling US$ 34.19 million.
Despite isolated setbacks, Sri Lanka’s export performance in the first half of 2025 reflects a promising trajectory, with diversified growth across traditional and emerging sectors, positioning the country to better navigate global economic challenges.
