Sri Lanka’s export sector has continued its strong upward trajectory, recording a significant 5.8 % y-o-y growth during the period from January to November 2025. Based on Sri Lanka Customs statistics and estimated export figures for Gems & Jewellery, Petroleum Products and services, total exports reached US$ 15,776.36 Mn, the performance signals sustained growth and improved external trade conditions.
In November 2025 alone, total exports, comprising both merchandise and services reached to US$ 1,364.52 Mn, reflecting an impressive year-on-year growth of 5.56 % over November 2024. This performance highlights the strength of Sri Lanka’s export sector and the effectiveness of the strategies implemented to expand market access and enhance global competitiveness.
Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Export Development Board (EDB), stated that Sri Lanka’s export earnings during the January–November 2025 period reached US$ 15,776.36 million, reflecting strong year-on-year growth. He noted that this performance underscores the resilience and competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s export sector, supported by the recovery of key markets, sustained production capacity, and the effective implementation of export development strategies. He further emphasized that the encouraging growth reflects Sri Lanka’s deeper integration into global trade and the continued focus on enhancing export competitiveness and market diversification, with exporters demonstrating resilience and innovation in navigating evolving global challenges. He also highlighted that achieving over 86.3% of the annual export target by the end of November 2025 is a clear indication of the strength and commitment of Sri Lanka’s export community.
In November 2025 alone, merchandise exports grew by 5.95 % year-on-year, reaching US$ 1,053.22 Mn, according to provisional data of Sri Lanka Customs including the estimates for Gems & Jewellery and Petroleum Products. For the period January to November 2025, merchandise exports totaled US$ 12,417.98 Mn, reflecting 6.41 % increase compared to the same period in 2024.
In November 2025, earnings from services exports estimated to have increased by 4.27% to US$ 311.3 Mn. Over the period of January to November 2025, services exports are estimated to have increased by 3.63 %, totaling US$ 3,358.38 Mn. This trend highlights the rising importance of Sri Lanka’s knowledge-based economy and its growing contribution to national export earnings.
The services export sector, comprising ICT/BPM, Construction, Financial services, and Transport & Logistics, continues to diversify Sri Lanka's export portfolio and create high-value employment opportunities across the Island.
Major Exports in November 2025
a) Products & Services with Positive Growth (Increases)
A monthly analysis reveals that export earnings from Coconut based products showing a significant increase of 47.25 % in November 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. Notably, earnings from Coconut kernel products increased by 57.45 %, Coconut fiber products by 27.76 %, and Coconut shell products by 42.14 %, reflecting strong global demand and improved value addition across the sector.
Export earnings from Coconut Oil, Coconut Milk powder, Coconut Cream and Liquid Coconut Milk which are categorized under the Coconut kernel products increased by 79.89 %, 44.66 %, 97.44 % and 49.72 % respectively in November 2025 compared to November 2024.
Being the largest contributor to Coconut based sector, Coco Peat, Fiber Pith & Moulded products which are categorized under the Coconut fiber products, increased by 22.01 % to US$ 19.96 Mn in November 2025 in comparison to November 2024.
Earnings from Activated Carbon, which is categorized under the Coconut shell products increased by 37.79 % to US$ 18.96 Mn in November 2025 compared to November 2024.
Export earnings from Food & Beverages have increased by 24.83 % y-o-y to US$ 45.3 Mn in November 2025, with the positive performance in exports of Processed Food (24.1 %).
The estimated value of Diamonds, Gems & Jewellery is expected to increase by 34.73 % to US$ 37.56 Mn in November 2025 when compared to November 2024.
Export earnings from Electrical & Electronics Components increased by 38.37 % y-o-y to US$ 48.54 Mn in November 2025.
Export earnings from Seafood increased by 2.49 % to US$ 16.89 Mn in November 2025 compared to November 2024. This increase was mainly due to the positive performance in export of Frozen Fish (16.4 %).
Meanwhile, ICT/BPM export earnings are expected to grow marginally by 0.13%, reaching US$ 129.15 Mn during the same period.
Similarly, the estimated export value of Logistics & Transport Services is expected to increase by 12.48 % to US$ 174.36 Mn in November 2025, compared to November 2024.
b) Products with Negative Growth (Decreases)
Export earnings from Apparel & Textiles declined by 2.12% year-on-year, totaling US$ 388.78 Mn in November 2025 compared to the same month in 2024.
Export earnings from tea which made up 12.8% of merchandise exports, decreased by 5.4 % y-o-y to US$ 111.77 Mn in November 2025 compared to November 2024. This increase is mainly due to the poor performance in the export of Bulk Tea (-11.72 %) and Tea Packets (-4.52%).
Meanwhile, exports of Spices and Essential Oils decreased by 9.21 % to US$ 37.47 Mn in November 2025, largely driven by a sharp decline in pepper exports to India, which decreased by 50.57 %.
Export earnings from Ornamental fish decreased by 31.28 % to US$ 1.23 Mn in November 2025 compared to November 2024.
Exports during the period of January – November 2025
Cumulative total exports, including both merchandise and services, were estimated at US$ 15,776.36 Mn for the period January to November 2025, making a notable 5.8 % growth compared to the same period in 2024.
Merchandise exports during the period of January to November 2025 are estimated to increase by 6.41 %, reaching US$ 12,417.98 Mn, based on data from Sri Lanka Customs along with the estimated figures for Gems & Jewellery and Petroleum Products.
Meanwhile, the estimated value of services exports is expected to increase by 3.62 % to US$ 3,358.35 Mn compared to the corresponding period in 2024.
a) Products & Services with Positive Growth (Increases)
Earnings from export of Apparel, Tea, Coconut products, and Food & Beverages increased by 4.9 %, 7.44 %, 44.13 %, and 24.89 % respectively during the period of January to November of 2025 in comparison to the corresponding period of 2024.
Earnings from export of Apparel & Textile have increased by 4.9 % to US$ 4,829.62 Mn during the period of January to November 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Notably, exports to the United States, the United Kingdom and EU region increased by 2.05 %, 0.01 % and 12.84 % amounting to US$ 1,783.97 Mn, US$ 632.91 Mn and US$ 1,451.08 Mn respectively.
Earnings from export of Tea increased y-o-y by 7.44 % to US$ 1,401.36 Mn in the period of January to November 2025. This increase was mainly due to the strong performance in export of Tea Packets (13.22 %).
Export earnings of Coconut & Coconut based products increased by 44.13 % to US$ 1,136.92 Mn during the January to November of 2025 compared to the last year. Earnings from all the major categories of Coconut based products increased in the period of January to November 2025 compared with the corresponding period of 2024 due to the strong performance in export of Coconut Oil (81.41 %), Desiccated Coconut (36.92 %), Coconut Milk Powder (70.05 %), Coconut Cream (92.83 %), Liquid Coconut Milk (52.94 %), Cocopeat (24.29 %) and Activated Carbon (29.42%).
Export earnings from Food & Beverages have increased by 24.89 % y-o-y to US$ 545.24 Mn in the period of January to November of 2025, with the positive performance in exports of Processed food (42.96 %).
In addition, export earnings from Seafood increased by 1.87 % to US$ 216.81 Mn during the period of January to November of 2025 compared to year 2024 due to the positive performance in Frozen Fish (17.93 %).
Meanwhile earnings from export of Electrical and Electronic Components (EEC) increased by 5.46 % to US$ 403.26 Mn in the period of January to November of 2025 compared to the corresponding period of 2024. This increase was due to the positive performance in exports of Insulated Wires (6.11 %) and Electrical Transformers (7.44%).
Furthermore, the estimated value of ICT/ BPM exports is expected to increase by 6.86 % to US$ 1,442.74 Mn during the period of January to November 2025 when compared to the corresponding period of 2024.
In addition, the estimated value of Logistics & transport services is expected to increase by 7.54 % to US$ 1,760.65 Mn during the period of January to November 2025 when compared to the corresponding period of 2024.
b) Products with Negative Growth (Decreases)
Export earnings from Rubber & Rubber finished products decreased by 5.60 % to US$ 869.26 Mn in the period of January to November 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 attributed to decreased exports of Pneumatic & Retreated Rubber Tyres & Tube (-13.58 %).
In addition, export earnings from Spices and Essential Oils increased y-o-y by 2.16 % to US$ 405.7 Mn in the period of January to November 2025. This increase was due to the negative performance in exports of Pepper (-38.81 %).
In addition, export earnings from Ornamental fish decreased by 7.47 % to US$ 20.8 Mn in the period of January to November 2025 compared to the same period in 2024
Table 1 shows the comparison of Merchandise export performance during the month of November 2025 and the period of January to November 2025 compared to 2024.
Sri Lanka’s Export Performance in Major Markets
Among the top 10 export destinations, United States, India, Italy, Germany, United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, France and China recorded year-on-year growth in November 2025 as well as during the cumulative period from January to November 2025.
The United States, Sri Lanka’s largest single export market, accounting for 23% of the country’s merchandise exports, recorded a 3.97 % increase to US$ 236.2 Mn in November 2025 compared to November 2024. However, exports to the United States increased by 2.79 % during the period of January to November period, reaching US$ 2,734.24 Mn.
India has continued as the Sri Lanka’s second-largest export destination, surpassing the United Kingdom. Exports to India increased by 25.77 % to US$ 88.43 Mn in November 2025, while cumulative exports from January to November 2025 increased by 19.88 %, reaching US$ 955.32 Mn compared to the same period in 2024.
Exports to the United Kingdom decreased by 8.28 % to US$ 62.92 Mn in November 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. During the cumulative period from January to November 2025, exports to the UK recorded a growth of 2.49 %, reaching US$ 855.01 Mn compared to the corresponding period in 2024.
Table 2 shows the comparison of Merchandise export performance of top 15 export markets during the month of November 2025 and the period of January to November 2025 compared to 2024.
Exports to FTA Partners (India & Pakistan)
a) November 2025
In November 2025, exports to India and Pakistan accounted for 7.86% of Sri Lanka’s total merchandise exports, recording a year-on-year increase of 25.06 % to US$ 94.23 Mn, compared with November 2024.
Exports to India increased by 25.77%, mainly driven by higher shipments of Animal Feed, while exports to Pakistan increased by 15.08%, supported primarily by stronger Desiccated Coconut exports.
b) January - November 2025
During the period from January to November 2025, exports to India and Pakistan accounted for 8.2% of Sri Lanka’s total merchandise exports, recording a substantial increase of 18.21 % to reach US$ 1,024.61 Mn compared to the same period in the previous year.
Exports to India increased significantly by 19.88 %, driven mainly by higher shipments of Petroleum Oil, Animal feed and Animal or Vegetable Fats and Oils and their Products. In contrast, exports to Pakistan decreased slightly by 0.83 %, reflecting a decrease in Desiccated Coconut shipments.
Sri Lanka’s Export Performance in Regions
Table 3 shows the comparison of region wise exports during the month of November 2025 and the period of January to November 2025 compared to 2024.
Exports to the European Union (EU), which account for 24% of Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports, increased during both November 2025 and the cumulative period of January to November 2025 respectively by 10.08 % and 14.06 %.
Exports to the top five EU markets were recoded as; Germany US$ 644.04 Mn (increased by 13.33 %), Italy US$ 628.33 Mn (increased by 14.07 %), Netherlands US$ 429.5 Mn (increased by 21.31 %), France US$ 258.51 Mn. (increased by 6.61 %) and Belgium US$ 231.77 Mn (increased by 6.81 %) during the cumulative period of January to November 2025 in comparison to the corresponding period in 2024.
Sources: Data was obtained from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and Sri Lanka Customs.
Export figures of Services, Gems & Jewellery, and Petroleum Products for November 2025 were estimated by the EDB
Policy & Strategic Planning Division - 19.12.2025
