Sri Lanka’s export sector demonstrated resilience in the face of challenging global economic conditions, with total exports surpassing US$5.7 billion during the first four months of 2026, according to the Export Development Board (EDB).

Total exports, including both merchandise and services, reached US$1.38 billion in April 2026, marking a 6% increase compared with the same month a year earlier.

According to provisional figures from Sri Lanka Customs, along with estimated data for gems and jewellery and petroleum products, merchandise exports rose 9.87% year-on-year to US$1.06 billion in April.

Meanwhile, earnings from services exports were estimated at US$317.16 million during the month, highlighting the sector’s increasing role in supporting the country’s export growth and overall external sector performance.

On a cumulative basis, Sri Lanka’s total exports for the January–April 2026 period were estimated at US$5.78 billion, representing a 4.3% increase over the corresponding period in 2025.

The performance during the first four months of the year reflects the resilience of Sri Lanka’s external sector, with steady merchandise trade and the growing contribution of services exports supporting a gradual economic recovery trajectory in 2026