Sri Lanka’s export earnings surpassed US$9 billion in the first half of 2026, marking a significant milestone for the country’s external trade as it continues to recover from its 2022 economic crisis.
The figure reflects growth across both merchandise and services exports, with key sectors including tea, apparel and information and communication technology (ICT) contributing to the total, Ada Derana reported. NewsFirst described the achievement as a major milestone crossed within the first six months of the year, underscoring a sustained upward trajectory in overseas sales.
Exports have been a central pillar of Sri Lanka’s recovery strategy, helping rebuild foreign currency reserves and support the rupee after the island defaulted on its external debt three years ago. Apparel remains the country’s largest single export category, while tea continues to be a key foreign-exchange earner. The ICT and business-process outsourcing sector has been targeted by policymakers as a high-growth area with ambitions to significantly expand its contribution to national earnings.
Crossing the US$9 billion mark at the halfway point of the year places export earnings on course to exceed previous annual totals if the momentum is maintained through the second half of 2026.
Officials have repeatedly stressed that broadening the export base and moving into higher-value goods and services will be essential to sustaining the recovery and reducing the country’s reliance on remittances and tourism to balance its external accounts.
