Sri Lanka exports: India surpasses UK as second-largest market in Jan–Apr 2026

India moved ahead of the United Kingdom to become Sri Lanka’s second-largest export market in January to April 2026. The Export Development Board said the United States stayed in the top position. Exports to India rose 8.9 per cent to USD 364.15 million over the four months. Still, India saw a 1.41 per cent year-on-year dip in April 2026.

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Sri Lanka’s combined exports of goods and services totalled USD 1,380.93 million in April 2026. That figure marked 6 per cent growth from a year earlier. Merchandise exports increased 9.87 per cent to USD 1,063.77 million. Services export earnings were estimated at USD 317.16 million for the same month.

India export market shift in Sri Lanka export data

Across January to April 2026, Sri Lanka’s total exports were estimated at USD 5,784.38 million. This was 4.3 per cent higher than the same period in 2025. The board said India consolidated the second spot during this window. The United States remained the island nation’s largest export market during the period.

The United States made up about 22 per cent of Sri Lanka’s total merchandise exports in April 2026. Shipments to the US rose 3.15 per cent year-on-year to USD 196.37 million. Even so, exports to the US from January to April 2026 slipped 2.09 per cent. The value for that four-month period was USD 945.76 million.

Sri Lanka export performance by sector in April 2026

Coconut-based products showed strong growth in April 2026. Export income from the category climbed 23.49 per cent year-on-year. Activated carbon was a key driver in the value-added segment. It increased 58.32 per cent to USD 20.55 million. The board linked this to better performance in coconut shell-based products.

Service exports also added support in April 2026. Information and communication technology and business process management reached USD 146.09 million. Financial services earnings rose sharply by 119.41 per cent year-on-year. The value for financial services exports stood at USD 6.82 million. These figures were part of the estimated services total.

Apparel and textiles earnings fell 4.88 per cent year-on-year to USD 346.67 million in April 2026. The board said the drop followed weaker demand in key regions. Shipments to the United States declined 2.71 per cent. Exports to the European Union contracted 9.21 per cent. The United Kingdom also fell 16.08 per cent.

Tea exports also weakened in April 2026, falling 6.82 per cent to USD 100.02 million. Several West Asian and North African markets recorded steep declines. Exports to Iraq dropped 48.62 per cent and Saudi Arabia fell 6.68 per cent. Libya declined 55.42 per cent, while the UAE dropped 75.34 per cent.

The board’s data showed gains in several areas despite falls in apparel and tea. India’s rise above the UK stood out in the January to April 2026 results. April totals reflected higher merchandise exports and steady services income. At the same time, slower results in some key markets weighed on clothing and tea returns.

With inputs from PTI