Sri Lanka’s export sector has recorded a significant economic milestone, with export earnings surpassing USD 10 billion during the first six months of 2026, an achievement that has been welcomed by the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) as an encouraging demonstration of national resilience, commercial commitment and international confidence in Sri Lankan products and services.
According to the Central Bank’s latest External Sector Performance report, Sri Lanka’s export earnings increased by 3.3 per cent year-on-year to USD 10.4 billion during the first half of 2026. Within this total, merchandise exports rose by 6.3 per cent to USD 6.9 billion, while total export revenue in June alone reached approximately USD 1.66 billion.
The result is particularly notable because it was achieved amid continuing global economic and trade uncertainties, conditions that have required exporters to demonstrate greater adaptability in production, logistics, market development and customer engagement. The milestone therefore represents more than a numerical achievement; it reflects the sustained work of thousands of businesses, producers, employees and institutions that contribute to Sri Lanka’s position in international markets.
A milestone built on resilience and commitment
The NCE has congratulated Sri Lanka’s export community, recognising the contribution made by exporters across a broad range of industries. From agricultural produce and processed food to apparel, tea, spices, rubber-based goods, gems, information technology and professional services, Sri Lankan businesses continue to serve customers across major regions of the world.
The increase in merchandise exports is especially significant, as it indicates continued demand for goods produced in Sri Lanka and highlights the capacity of local businesses to maintain international supply relationships. Exporters have had to respond to changing consumer preferences, evolving quality standards, rising expectations regarding sustainability and the practical challenges associated with international freight and distribution.
The NCE has commended exporters in all sectors for maintaining Sri Lanka’s presence in overseas markets. Such continuity is instrumental in protecting established trade relationships while creating opportunities for new products and emerging businesses. It also demonstrates the value of long-term investment in quality, reliability, branding and professional customer service.
The Chamber has further acknowledged the contribution of government institutions, policymakers, trade support organisations, logistics providers, financial institutions and other stakeholders involved in strengthening the export sector. Export performance is rarely the result of one organisation or one industry; rather, it is built through a connected system in which producers, manufacturers, transport providers, banks, training institutions and international buyers each perform an important role.
NCE members contribute strongly to export activity
The NCE’s own contribution to Sri Lanka’s export economy is reflected in its member activity. Responses from approximately 275 members to the Chamber’s 2024/2025 member survey recorded a combined annual export turnover of USD 3.07 billion.
That figure illustrates the substantial role played by NCE members in generating foreign exchange, sustaining employment and building commercial links between Sri Lanka and overseas markets. NCE members currently export to destinations in every major region, with the United States, United Kingdom, India, Australia, the Maldives and Germany identified among the leading markets.
At the same time, Sri Lankan exporters are engaging with emerging opportunities across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Latin America. This geographical variety is valuable because it can reduce reliance on a limited number of markets and encourage businesses to develop products suited to different cultural, regulatory and commercial environments.
The achievement also underlines the importance of developing stronger export capabilities among small and medium-sized enterprises. Many businesses possess high-quality products and considerable technical knowledge, yet require additional assistance with packaging, certification, digital marketing, financing, international distribution and market intelligence. Greater access to practical support could enable more local enterprises to progress from domestic production to sustained international trade.
Overseas Sri Lankans remain important partners
The NCE has extended its appreciation to Sri Lankans living overseas, whose continuing confidence in Sri Lankan products and services makes an important contribution to the country’s export sector.
Sri Lankan communities in Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, New Zealand and other countries often serve as natural ambassadors for products connected with the island. Their purchasing decisions support exporters directly, while their recommendations, business relationships and knowledge of local markets can help Sri Lankan enterprises understand the expectations of international consumers.
This connection is visible in everyday products, including Ceylon tea, spices, coconut-based goods, traditional food items, clothing, handicrafts, books, music and other cultural products. It is also present in less tangible services, such as information technology, education, tourism, wellness, design, accounting, consulting and other professional fields in which Sri Lankan expertise is increasingly recognised.
The NCE is working towards establishing a platform that will connect Sri Lankans living overseas with aspiring exporters and existing export businesses in Sri Lanka. The proposed initiative is intended to develop new commercial relationships, improve access to overseas markets and make it easier for international members of the Sri Lankan community to engage with local exporters through the Chamber.
Such a platform could become an important bridge between local enterprise and global opportunity. Overseas Sri Lankans may possess valuable knowledge of consumer behaviour, import requirements, distribution networks and business etiquette in their countries of residence. When that knowledge is connected with the production capabilities of Sri Lankan businesses, mutually beneficial partnerships can be created.
Skills development will support future growth
The NCE has identified access to skilled labour as one of the key concerns raised by exporters and has expanded training programmes to support the development of a capable workforce.
Skills development is essential because modern exporting requires considerably more than the production of a saleable item. Businesses must understand international compliance, product presentation, quality assurance, digital commerce, supply-chain management, financial planning and customer retention. Employees with expertise in these areas can help companies become more competitive and respond more effectively to international demand.
Training programmes can also assist businesses in sectors that are undergoing rapid change. Digital services, advanced manufacturing, sustainable agriculture, food processing and creative industries all require workers who can combine practical knowledge with technological confidence. A stronger skills base would help Sri Lankan exporters improve productivity while creating more rewarding employment opportunities within the country.
The first-half export milestone therefore provides a useful foundation for further progress. Continued collaboration between the public and private sectors could help address skills shortages, improve infrastructure, strengthen research and development, and support businesses seeking to enter new markets.
A proud achievement with further potential
Sri Lanka’s export earnings of USD 10.4 billion during the first half of 2026 offer a positive indication of the determination present throughout the country’s export community. The performance has been shaped by exporters who continue to meet international expectations, workers who sustain production and service delivery, institutions that provide support, and overseas Sri Lankans who continue to choose and promote products connected with their homeland.
The NCE has emphasised that the momentum should be sustained through practical programmes, advocacy and industry engagement. That approach is important, because the next stage of growth will depend on converting a strong six-month performance into durable, broad-based and increasingly sophisticated export activity.
For Sri Lankan businesses, the milestone provides encouragement to invest in quality, innovation and international visibility. For Sri Lankans living abroad, it offers an opportunity to participate more actively in the commercial success of the country through purchasing, promotion, partnerships and market connections.
As Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its place in the global economy, the achievement belongs to a wide national and international network. It is a celebration of enterprise, craftsmanship and cooperation, while also presenting an opportunity to build a more connected export future for Sri Lankan businesses and communities worldwide.
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Source: https://lifestylenews.lk/2026/08/11/nce-applauds-sri-lankas-usd-10-bn-export-milestone/
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