📈 Sri Lanka Exports Hit Record $1.69 Bn in Sept; 9-Month Revenue at All-Time High

Sri Lanka recorded its highest-ever monthly export performance in Sept 2026, rising 17.23% YoY to US$ 1.69 Bn (up 5.6% MoM). Cumulative 9-month earnings reached an all-time high of US$ 13.61 Bn (+5.04% YoY), driving confidence to meet the annual US$ 18 Bn+ target. • Overall Performance (Sept 2026) - Merchandise Exports: US$ 1.38 Bn (+21.66% YoY) - Services Exports: US$ 306.17 Mn (+0.67% YoY) • Key Sector Highlights (Sept YoY) - Apparel & textiles: US$ 439.78 Mn (+3.46%), backed by a 6.33% rise in US shipments. - Rubber-based products: US$ 99.31 Mn (+33.68%), led by pneumatic tyres (+39.57%) and rubber gloves (+34.38%). - Spices & essential oils: US$ 74.73 Mn (+73.19%), driven by pepper (+165.38%) and cinnamon (+68.27%). - Electrical & electronic components: US$ 68.54 Mn (+88.35%), boosted by insulated cables (+114.62%). - Food & beverages: US$ 63.77 Mn (+27.92%). - Transport & logistics services: US$ 167.9 Mn (+23.32%). • Nine-Month Sector & Regional Drag - Apparel & textiles: Declined 5.68% YoY to US$ 3.78 Bn across Jan–Sept due to subdued demand in the US, EU, and UK. - Tea: Earnings fell 6.83% YoY to US$ 1.08 Bn in Jan–Sept; Middle East exports dropped 34.22% amid geopolitical tensions. • Top Export Markets (Sept YoY) - US: US$ 281.84 Mn (+18.06%), remaining the largest market. - India: US$ 113.22 Mn (+29.65%), overtaking the UK as Sri Lanka’s 2nd largest destination (9-month YTD up 12.3% to US$ 889.84 Mn). - EU: US$ 277.66 Mn (+1.92%). - UK: US$ 71.71 Mn (-3.17%).