September exports rise 17.23% to US$1.69 billion as merchandise, electronics, spices, food, rubber and logistics drive growth

Sri Lanka recorded its highest-ever monthly export performance in September 2026, with total earnings reaching US$1.69 billion. Combined merchandise and services exports during the first nine months of the year rose to US$13.61 billion—5.04% higher than the corresponding period of 2025. Strong growth in electronics, spices, processed food, rubber products and logistics demonstrated the expanding contribution of value-added Sri Lankan exports.

September exports reached US$1.69 billion as electronics, spices, processed food, rubber products and logistics drove strong growth.

September Delivers a Record Export Result

Sri Lanka’s export sector achieved its highest-ever monthly performance in September 2026, with combined merchandise and services earnings reaching approximately US$1.69 billion.

This represented year-on-year growth of 17.23% compared with approximately US$1.44 billion recorded in September 2025. Export earnings were also 5.6% higher than in August 2026. Daily FT

Merchandise exports were the principal driver of the monthly result.

Merchandise earnings increased by 21.66% year-on-year to approximately US$1.39 billion, compared with US$1.14 billion in September 2025.

Estimated services exports increased more moderately by 0.67% to US$306.17 million, compared with US$304.14 million during the same month of the previous year. srilankabusiness.com

The figures were compiled using Sri Lanka Customs data together with Export Development Board estimates for services, gems and jewellery, and petroleum products.

Nine-Month Exports Reach US$13.61 Billion

Sri Lanka’s total export earnings during January–September 2026 reached an estimated US$13.61 billion.

This was 5.04% higher than the US$12.96 billion recorded during the corresponding period of 2025. srilankabusiness.com

Merchandise exports increased by 5.35% to US$10.76 billion, while estimated services exports rose by 3.88% to US$2.85 billion.

The figures demonstrate that physical goods remain the largest contributor to export earnings. However, the growth of ICT, business-process management, transport, logistics, construction and financial services is helping Sri Lanka develop a more diversified export base.

Electronics Emerges as a High-Growth Export Sector

Electrical and electronic component exports produced one of the strongest performances among Sri Lanka’s emerging value-added sectors.

Monthly earnings increased by 88.35% year-on-year to US$68.54 million in September. The increase was supported by significant growth in exports of insulated wires and cables.

During January–September 2026, electrical and electronic component exports increased by 61.05% to US$508.86 million.

Exports of insulated wires and cables increased by 82.59%, while switches, boards and panels rose by 31.49%. Electrical transformers grew by 33.46%. srilankabusiness.com

This growth is significant because it indicates expanding Sri Lankan participation in international manufacturing networks and industrial supply chains.

Rather than relying only on traditional commodities, Sri Lanka has an opportunity to develop industries built around engineering, technical skills, specialised components and international quality standards.

Spices and Value-Added Agriculture Record Strong Gains

Exports of spices, essential oils and oleoresins increased by 73.19% in September, reaching US$74.73 million.

Pepper exports rose by 165.38% to US$23.46 million, while cinnamon exports increased by 68.27% to US$42.59 million. srilankabusiness.com

For the nine-month period, export earnings from spices, essential oils and oleoresins increased by 30.53% to US$430.53 million.

Cinnamon generated US$221.56 million, while pepper exports reached US$136.26 million.

The figures illustrate the commercial importance of moving beyond the export of basic agricultural materials.

Processing, grading, packaging, branding, certification and product development can allow Sri Lankan producers to capture more of the final value generated in international markets.

Processed Food and Beverages Expand Their Contribution

Food and beverage exports increased by 27.92% year-on-year to US$63.77 million in September.

During the first nine months of 2026, the sector generated approximately US$526.31 million—an increase of 20.9% over the same period of 2025.

Processed food exports increased by 34.19%, while non-alcoholic beverage exports grew by 46.78%. srilankabusiness.com

This sector provides opportunities for Sri Lankan SMEs because successful exports can be developed using locally sourced ingredients, regional recipes, specialised products and internationally recognised packaging and safety standards.

However, businesses seeking overseas markets must be able to deliver consistent quality, reliable volumes, regulatory compliance and professional branding.

Rubber Products Maintain International Competitiveness

Rubber and rubber-based product exports increased by 33.68% to US$99.31 million in September.

Industrial and surgical rubber glove exports reached US$31.70 million, while pneumatic and retreaded tyre and tube exports increased to US$54.95 million.

During January–September, the sector generated US$773.88 million—a year-on-year increase of 8.44%. srilankabusiness.com

The sector demonstrates the value of transforming a domestic natural resource into specialised manufactured products.

Logistics Strengthens Sri Lanka’s Services Export Performance

Transport and logistics services generated an estimated US$167.9 million during September, representing growth of 23.32% compared with September 2025.

Sri Lanka’s location along major Indian Ocean shipping routes presents opportunities in maritime services, freight, warehousing, port-related operations and regional distribution.

Realising that potential will require efficient ports, predictable customs processes, digital trade systems and competitive operating costs.

ICT and Business Services Continue to Grow

ICT and business-process management exports were estimated at US$1.24 billion during the first nine months of 2026.

That represented year-on-year growth of 3.69%. srilankabusiness.com

Digital services can reach international customers without the shipping and physical distribution requirements associated with merchandise exports.

This creates opportunities for Sri Lankan software companies, technology professionals, business-service providers and specialised digital agencies. It also makes skills development, reliable connectivity, data protection and international business standards increasingly important.

India Becomes Sri Lanka’s Second-Largest Export Destination

The United States remained Sri Lanka’s largest individual merchandise export market, accounting for approximately 20.3% of merchandise earnings.

Exports to the US reached US$281.84 million in September—an increase of 18.06% from the previous year.

India moved ahead of the United Kingdom to become Sri Lanka’s second-largest export destination during January–September 2026.

Cumulative exports to India increased by 12.3% to US$889.84 million. September exports to India increased by 29.65% to US$113.22 million. srilankabusiness.com

Exports to Pakistan also produced strong growth. Nine-month earnings increased by 33.59% to US$74.73 million.

Other markets recording cumulative growth included China, Turkey, Australia, Italy, Belgium, Mexico and Japan.

Turkey delivered particularly strong growth, with nine-month exports rising by 94.01% to US$218.24 million. This included a substantial expansion in tea exports to the Turkish market.

China recorded cumulative growth of 16.46%, with export earnings reaching US$234.39 million.

These developments demonstrate the importance of market diversification. Exporters become more vulnerable when they depend heavily on a small number of countries.

Apparel and Tea Continue to Face Pressure

The record overall performance does not mean that every export sector grew.

Apparel and textile earnings declined by 5.68% to US$3.78 billion during January–September 2026. Apparel exports fell by 5.36%, while textiles declined by 9.66%.

Weaker demand in the United States, European Union and United Kingdom affected the sector’s cumulative result.

Tea export earnings declined by 6.83% to US$1.08 billion during the same period. Exports to important Middle Eastern markets were particularly affected. srilankabusiness.com

Seafood exports also declined by 2.03% during the nine-month period, while ornamental fish exports fell by 26.71%.

These challenges are important because national growth can conceal pressure within individual industries.

The results strengthen the case for:

• Diversifying export destinations.
• Developing new products.
• Increasing value addition.
• Improving productivity.
• Strengthening brands.
• Adopting technology.
• Supporting companies affected by changing global demand.

What This Means for Sri Lankan Entrepreneurs

The strongest opportunity emerging from the data is not simply to export more raw materials.

It is to create more value in Sri Lanka before products and services reach the international customer.

Entrepreneurs can explore opportunities in:

• Specialised food processing.
• Export-ready packaging.
• Cinnamon and spice-based products.
• Coconut-shell activated carbon.
• Rubber manufacturing.
• Electrical components.
• Software and business services.
• Logistics and maritime services.
• Certification and quality assurance.
• International marketing and distribution.

Businesses entering export markets must also prepare carefully.

International buyers generally expect documented quality standards, dependable production, traceability, regulatory compliance, clear pricing, professional communication and reliable delivery.

Export success therefore requires more than a good product. It requires a complete and credible business operation.

National Export Plan Targets US$36 Billion by 2030

The National Export Development Plan 2026–2030 establishes a longer-term objective of reaching US$36 billion in annual export earnings by 2030.

The plan focuses on trade facilitation, market development, investment promotion, innovation and stronger private-sector participation. srilankabusiness.com

Reaching that target would require significantly more than maintaining current growth rates.

Sri Lanka will need to expand productive capacity, strengthen traditional industries, develop high-value sectors, reach new markets and address the practical barriers experienced by exporters.

It will also require coordination among government institutions, industry associations, financial institutions, education providers and private businesses.

A Strong Result—But Momentum Must Be Sustained

September’s record export performance is an encouraging development for Sri Lanka.

It demonstrates the resilience of businesses that continue to operate in competitive international markets while facing changing demand, geopolitical uncertainty and rising operating costs.

However, one record month does not guarantee that the same growth will continue automatically.

The country must convert the result into a longer-term expansion of value-added production, technology adoption, market diversification and globally competitive Sri Lankan brands.

The strongest message from the latest figures is that Sri Lanka’s export potential extends far beyond its traditional products.

Electronics, processed foods, specialised rubber goods, digital services, logistics and value-added agricultural products can become increasingly important sources of foreign income and business growth.

For Sri Lankan entrepreneurs at home and overseas, the results reveal both an achievement and an opportunity: Sri Lankan products, knowledge and services can compete internationally when they are supported by quality, innovation and reliable access to markets.