October 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s export sector has gathered significant momentum in 2026, with earnings from goods and services climbing to US$13.612 billion during the first nine months of the year, according to the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB).
The latest figures point to a strong performance in international markets, with September delivering an unprecedented monthly result and raising expectations that the country could surpass US$18 billion in total export revenue by the end of the year.
Announcing the figures at a media briefing at the Department of Government Information, EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe said merchandise exports generated US$10.761 billion between January and September, while services contributed a further US$2.850 billion.
September proved particularly encouraging for the sector, with combined export earnings reaching US$1.691 billion, the highest monthly total recorded in the country’s history. This was a 17.2 per cent increase on the corresponding period last year, reflecting stronger returns from the sale of goods overseas.
Merchandise exports accounted for US$1.385 billion of September’s earnings, registering year-on-year growth of 21.6 per cent. Services exports generated an additional US$306 million, reinforcing their role as an important contributor to the country’s foreign revenue.
The results offer a welcome boost to Sri Lanka’s efforts to strengthen its external earnings and expand the contribution of exports to economic recovery. Sustaining this performance, however, will depend on international market conditions and the ability of local businesses to manage rising operating expenses.
Wijesinghe cautioned that the continuing crisis in the Middle East was creating difficulties for exporters, particularly through higher freight charges, increased insurance premiums and interruptions affecting commercial activity in parts of the region.
These pressures have added to the challenges faced by businesses seeking to deliver goods and services to overseas customers. Higher logistics costs can erode profit margins and make Sri Lankan products less competitive, particularly in markets where buyers are sensitive to price changes.
Despite these obstacles, the EDB chairman praised exporters for maintaining their efforts and helping to drive the sector forward. He described September’s performance as an encouraging indication of the industry’s potential and expressed confidence that the positive trend could continue over the next three to four months.
The Government’s export earnings ambition for 2026 is now set at more than US$18 billion, a target that would require continued contributions from both merchandise and services businesses during the remaining months of the year.
Achieving that goal would depend on preserving the momentum seen in September while navigating external uncertainties, including shipping disruptions and escalating costs linked to geopolitical tensions.
The latest figures nevertheless provide grounds for optimism. With merchandise exports showing strong annual growth and services adding billions of dollars to the national total, Sri Lanka’s export sector appears well positioned to make a substantial contribution to the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
Maintaining this trajectory will be crucial as exporters contend with an unpredictable global trading environment and policymakers seek to build a more resilient, internationally competitive economy.
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