Sri Lanka goods exports rise 9.87% in April, driven by coconut and rubber products, F&B
EconomyNext: Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports rose 9.87 percent to 1,063.77 million dollars in April 2026 from a year ago, driven by coconut-based products, rubber-based products, processed food and beverages, and electrical and electronic components, data from the export promotion office showed.
“Despite the Middle East war and all other external challenges, we can see that Sri Lanka export performance is steady,” EDB chairman Mangala Wijesinghe told reporters.
Earnings from coconut and coconut based products rose 23.49 percent to 92.17 million dollars, EDB said.
“Notably, Activated Carbon, one of the key value-added coconut shell-based export products, registered a significant increase of 58.32 percent, reaching 20.55 million dollars in April 2026.”
Export earnings from rubber and rubber finished products rose 5.23 to 64.32 million dollars.
Tea exports fell 6.82 percent to 100.02 million dollars, while apparel and textile exports fell 4.88 percent to 346.67 million dollars.
“The war in the Middle East affected tea exports over the last few months,” he said. A rise in global shipping costs affected apparel and textile exports, he said.
Exports to the US saw a 3.15 percent increase to 196.37 million dollars in April 2026.
Exports to the UK declined 15.18 percent to 62.40 million dollars.
India continued to be the second-largest export destination, but exports declined 1.41 percent in April 2026.
Exports to the United Kingdom fell by 15.18 to 62.40 million dollars.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s export sector is showing strong momentum, creating a wide range of business/investment opportunities for foreign businesses/investors seeking growth in emerging markets. The steady rise in merchandise exports, led by coconut-based products, rubber-based products, processed food and beverages, and electrical and electronic components, reflects the country’s expanding industrial and manufacturing capabilities. Despite global uncertainties and external challenges, Sri Lanka’s export performance has remained resilient, highlighting the strength and adaptability of its industries. This growth presents attractive prospects for international businesses/investors looking to establish partnerships, expand supply chains, invest in value-added manufacturing, and access regional and global markets through Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean. Foreign businesses can particularly benefit from opportunities in agro-processing, sustainable manufacturing, technology-driven exports, logistics, and export-oriented industrial development. With improving economic stability, skilled labour, and increasing demand for Sri Lankan products worldwide, the country is positioning itself as a competitive export hub in South Asia, offering long-term potential for international trade and investment partnerships.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260604Z_2 |