Sri Lanka Export Performance: Q1 2026 Resilience 📈

Sri Lanka’s total export earnings (merchandise and services) reached US$ 4.31 Bn in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 1.59% YoY growth despite a temporary dip in March. • Overall Figures (Jan–Mar 2026) Total Exports: US$ 4.31 Bn (+1.59% YoY). Merchandise: US$ 3.39 Bn (+1.18% YoY). Services: US$ 921.11 Mn (+3.13% YoY). March Performance: US$ 1.47 Bn, a 5.2% YoY decline but a 9.0% MoM recovery from February. • Sector Breakdowns (Q1 2026) Coconut-based products: US$ 314.09 Mn (+20.76%). Activated carbon (+46.8%) and shell products drove growth. Electrical & Electronic Components: US$ 142.02 Mn (+44.18%), led by transformers and cables. ICT/BPM: Estimated at US$ 468.72 Mn (+31.15%), solidifying the knowledge-based economy. Apparel & Textiles: US$ 1.27 Bn (-8.06%) due to weakened demand in the US and EU. Tea: US$ 351.58 Mn (-5.22%) following lower bulk tea volumes and Middle Eastern market shifts. Seafood: US$ 63.16 Mn (+30.93%), with a massive surge in fresh fish exports (+106.27%). • Top Markets & Regions USA: Remains the top destination (22% share) despite a 3.38% Q1 decline. India: Now the 2nd largest market, growing 12.02% to US$ 287.49 Mn. European Union: Q1 exports rose 5.07%, with Italy and Belgium showing strong gains. Pakistan: Q1 exports surged 41.39% under FTA benefits. UAE: Experienced a sharp 72.6% drop in March alone, linked to regional geopolitical tensions.