Sri Lanka's estimated combined merchandise and services exports exceeded US$10 billion during the first seven months of 2026, according to figures released by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board.
Total estimated exports during January to July reached approximately US$10.488 billion, representing year-on-year growth of about 5.5%.
The total comprises merchandise exports and estimated services exports.
Merchandise exports exceed US$8 billion
Merchandise exports during January-July reached approximately US$8.188 billion, an increase of around 5.05% compared with the corresponding period of 2025.
Estimated services exports reached approximately US$2.299 billion, representing growth of about 7.02%.
Together, the two components brought estimated total exports to approximately US$10.488 billion.
July performance was mixed
The cumulative seven-month increase does not mean every component expanded during July.
Merchandise exports in July were approximately US$1.285 billion, representing a year-on-year decline of around 1.3%.
Estimated services exports increased year-on-year during July, helping combined merchandise and services exports record positive overall growth for the month.
Combined July exports were estimated to have increased by approximately 2.63% year-on-year.
Why the distinction matters
Merchandise export figures and estimated services-export figures are different statistical components.
The US$10.488 billion headline figure represents their estimated combined value.
It should therefore not be described as merchandise exports alone or as a Customs-only export figure.