Colombo: Sri Lanka’s export sector maintained its upward trajectory in 2025, with total export earnings exceeding US$17.2 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 5.6 per cent amid improving global trade conditions and sustained domestic production capacity.
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 million in 2025. The performance underscores the resilience of the country’s export sector and steady progress toward national export targets.
Exports in December 2025, comprising both merchandise and services, amounted to US$1,490.49 million, marking a 3.95 per cent year-on-year increase. The growth highlights the effectiveness of policy measures and strategic initiatives aimed at expanding market access and strengthening Sri Lanka’s global competitiveness.
Commenting on the performance, Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe said Sri Lanka achieved over 94.79 per cent of its export target for 2025. He noted that the outcome reflects the sector’s resilience and competitiveness, supported by the recovery of key export markets, sustained production levels and the effective implementation of export development strategies.
Merchandise exports recorded a strong performance during the year. In December 2025, merchandise export earnings rose by 5.88 per cent year-on-year to US$1,166.60 million, according to provisional Sri Lanka Customs data, including estimated figures for gems and jewellery and petroleum products. For the full year, merchandise exports reached US$13,579.38 million, representing a 6.32 per cent increase compared to 2024.
Services exports showed mixed results in December, with earnings estimated to have declined by 2.47 per cent year-on-year to US$323.89 million. However, on an annual basis, services exports grew by an estimated 2.79 per cent in 2025, totaling US$3,672.77 million.
The services export sector—covering ICT and business process management (ICT/BPM), construction, financial services, and transport and logistics—continued to play a critical role in diversifying Sri Lanka’s export base. The sector’s steady growth also highlights the increasing importance of the country’s knowledge-based economy and its contribution to high-value employment generation.
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