Negative trends for garment exports so far in 2026
View(s):While Sri Lanka’s export sector began 2026 on a strong momentum, recording a robust year-on-year growth of 13.71 per cent, there have been negative trends for garment exports largely due to a global contraction in orders, according to the latest statement from the Export Development Board (EDB).
Export earnings from Apparel & Textiles decreased by 2.82 per cent y-o-y, reaching US$ 447.25 million in January 2026, compared to the same month in 2025. This decrease was primarily due to a 2.73 per cent drop in exports to the US and a 1.82 per cent decline in shipments to the EU region.
According to statistics released by Sri Lanka Customs, together with estimated export figures for gems and jewellery, petroleum products, and services, total export earnings reached $ 1,532.6 million. The encouraging performance reflects broad-based growth across key export sectors, improving global demand conditions, and sustained national efforts to enhance export competitiveness at the outset of the year.
In January 2026, merchandise exports recorded a year-on-year growth of 10.66 per cent, reaching $ 1,165.02 million, according to provisional data released by Sri Lanka Customs, including estimated figures for gems and jewellery and petroleum products. This steady expansion reflects improved demand across key product categories and the strengthening performance of the industrial export sector.
Meanwhile, services export earnings for January 2026 are estimated to have increased significantly by 24.59 per cent, reaching $ 367.55 million. This strong growth highlights the rising importance of Sri Lanka’s knowledge-based economy and its expanding contribution to overall national export earnings.
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