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Thursday, September 24 2026
Thursday, September 24 2026
MONETABRIEF – Sri Lanka's merchandise exports fell 1 percent to 1,269 million US dollars in August 2026, with apparel, tea and coconut exports down, the island Export Development Board said.
Apparel exports fell 8.4 percent to 464.2 million US dollars, tea exports fell 7.4 percent to 130 million US dollars, and coconut based exports fell 17 percent to 104 million US dollars.
The decline was observed across major export destinations, with shipments to the United States 15.96 percent and the United Kingdom 11.79 percent.
"This performance reflects continued challenges in the global apparel industry, including subdued consumer demand and evolving market conditions, which have affected export orders during the period," the EDB said.
Tea export earnings fell by 7.76 percent to 130.92 million dollars in August with bulk tea exports falling 16.57 percent.
"The decline was primarily attributable to weaker export performance in key markets, particularly the Middle East, where tea exports decreased by 41 from a year ago, the EDB said.
Exports to the United Arab Emirates fell 72 percent, to Iran down 76 percent, Saudi Arabia down 13.6 percent and and Iraq 49.3 percent.
But rubber products increased 9.2 percent to 94.9 million US dollars, process foods and beverages grew 25 percent to 57 million US dollars electrical components 56 percent to 62 million dollars.
Spices grew 82 percent to 75 million with a big jump in pepper the EDB said. (Colombo/Sept23/2026)
| 3 month bill | 9.22% | 22bp ▼ |
| 12-m bill | 9.91% | 10bp ▼ |
| Gold (Ounce) | $4602 | - - |
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