Sri Lanka's export sector has shown remarkable resilience and growth in July 2025, with total exports reaching an impressive US$1.302 billion. This figure represents a 15.37% year-on-year increase, according to provisional data from Sri Lanka Customs [1].The robust performance is driven by significant growth in merchandise exports, which grew by 15.37% to US$1.304 billion. Key contributors to this growth include tea, coconut products, and seafood. Tea exports, for instance, increased by 13.09% to US$141.02 million, with strong performances in Tea Packets, Bulk Tea, and Instant Tea. Coconut-based products also saw a substantial increase, with earnings from Coconut Oil, Coconut Milk Powder, Coconut Cream, and Liquid Coconut Milk rising by 129.71%, 100.89%, 92.87%, and 104.81%, respectively [1].Services exports also played a crucial role, with earnings from services exports estimated at US$337.11 million in July 2025, marking a 9.86% increase over the same period in 2024. The services sector, comprising ICT/BPM, Construction, Financial services, and Transport & Logistics, continues to diversify Sri Lanka's export portfolio and create high-value employment opportunities [1].Notably, the United States remained Sri Lanka's largest export destination, with merchandise exports to the country increasing by 2.64% to US$274.07 million in July 2025. Exports to the United States also increased by 4.29% over the cumulative period from January to July 2025 [1].However, the export sector also faced challenges, with a significant drop in earnings from Spices and Essential Oils, which decreased by 39.85% to US$36.81 million in July 2025. This decrease was primarily driven by a sharp decline in Pepper exports, which fell by 81.18% [1].Commenting on the positive results, Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Export Development Board (EDB), stated: “This encouraging growth highlights Sri Lanka’s increasing integration into global trade and the success of our continued efforts to strengthen export competitiveness while diversifying market opportunities. Our exporters have once again proven their resilience and adaptability in navigating dynamic global markets. It is encouraging to see exports surpassing US$1.6 billion in July and reaching nearly US$10 billion in the first seven months. This reflects the resilience of our exporters amidst global challenges. While we celebrate this progress, we remain cautious of uncertainties ahead. With continued efforts to enhance competitiveness and diversify markets, we are confident of achieving the 2025 export target” [1].References:[1] https://www.srilankabusiness.com/news/sri-lankas-exports-surge-to-nearly-us-10-billion-in-first-seven-months-of-2025.html
