Sri Lanka's total exports reached an estimated US$12.01 billion during January–August 2026, according to figures released by the Export Development Board.
That represents an increase of 4.26% compared with the approximately US$11.52 billion recorded during the corresponding eight months of 2025.
### Merchandise exports reach US$9.41 billion
Merchandise exports during the first eight months of 2026 increased by 3.63% year-on-year to US$9.41 billion.
The cumulative figure therefore remained above its level during the corresponding period last year.
### Services grow faster
Estimated services exports increased more strongly.
Services exports reached approximately US$2.60 billion, representing growth of 6.59% compared with the corresponding period in 2025.
The figures indicate that services grew at a faster rate than merchandise exports during the eight-month period.
### August exports
Total exports during August were estimated at approximately US$1.60 billion, up 1.77% year-on-year.
The monthly components, however, moved differently.
Services exports increased 13.97% to approximately US$331.87 million.
Merchandise exports were approximately US$1.27 billion and were 1.0% lower year-on-year.
Therefore, the August figures should not be characterised as showing rapid growth across every export sector.
### Data limitations
Some of the latest merchandise figures are provisional, while services-export figures include estimates.
The US$12.01 billion total should therefore be presented as the latest EDB estimate rather than as an audited final annual figure.
The figures cover January through August, not the full year.
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