📈 Sri Lankan Exporters Back $36 Bn 2030 Target, Urge Pivot to Value Over Volume

Sri Lanka’s private sector has endorsed the Government's National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2026-2030 targeting US$ 36 Bn in exports by 2030. However, industry leaders warn that success depends heavily on structural reforms, policy consistency, and premium market positioning. • Strategic Focus & Sectors: Leaders emphasize competing on quality, sustainability, and branding rather than volume or price against regional giants like India or Vietnam. Premium positioning is urged for traditional agriculture like tea (Ceylon Tea), Ceylon Cinnamon, and Ceylon Cashew to command global price premiums. • Key Risks & Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Emerging European Union regulations require rapid adoption of strict traceability and responsible sourcing. Domestic supply chain weaknesses are hurting manufacturing; a notable decline in domestic rubber production has forced heavy reliance on imported raw materials. • Policy & Structural Demands: Exporters demand policy stability over the next 4–5 years to secure long-term investor confidence. Recommendations include cutting bureaucratic red tape for SMEs, expanding Sri Lanka's limited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) network, and investing in local advanced testing facilities to reduce overseas certification costs.