Exports top $ 5.5 b mark in first four months

SRI Lanka's export sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and steady progress during the first four months of 2025, with total exports reaching $ 5.583 billion, marking a robust 6.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

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The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) said this upward trend reflects renewed momentum across key industries and underscores the sector's adaptability in an evolving global trade landscape.

Total exports, including both merchandise and services, reached $ 1,292.63 million in April 2025. This marks an impressive year-on-year (YoY) growth of 8.74% over April 2024, reflecting the resilience of Sri Lanka's export sector and the positive impact of strategic efforts to diversify markets and enhance competitiveness.

Commenting on the positive export performance, EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe said: "This encouraging growth highlights Sri Lanka's increasing integration into global trade and the success of our continued efforts to strengthen export competitiveness and expand market access. Our exporters have once again proven their resilience and adaptability in navigating dynamic global markets."

In April 2025 alone, merchandise exports grew by 12.05% YoY, reaching $ 983.33 million, according to provisional data of Sri Lanka Customs, including the estimates for Gems and Jewellery and Petroleum Products. For the period January to April 2025, merchandise exports totalled $ 4,334.22 million, reflecting a 6.86% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Meanwhile, services exports have emerged as a key driver of overall export growth. In April 2025, estimated earnings from services exports reached $ 309.3 million. Over the first four months of the year, services exports are estimated to have increased by 7.06%, totalling $ 1,189.63 million. 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 and Logistics, continues to diversify Sri Lanka's export portfolio and create high-value employment opportunities across the island.