Sri Lanka Goods Exports Remain Flat in October 2025 as Apparel and Tea Decline

Himasha Dissanayake, JadeTimes Staff

H. Dissanayake is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Economic

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Source: Colombo Port / Logistics Update Africa

Sri Lanka goods exports showed almost no growth in October 2025, rising only 0.02 percent to USD 1,158.24 million, as key export categories such as apparel and tea recorded declines, according to data from the government’s export promotion office.

Although exports of coconut-based products surged by 60.46 percent to USD 123.97 million, the growth failed to offset the slowdown in traditional strong sectors. Apparel and textile earnings slipped by 0.24 percent to USD 429.17 million, while tea exports dropped by 0.21 percent to USD 126.55 million compared to the same period last year.

Additional downward pressure came from a steep fall in boat exports, which dropped from USD 14.60 million in October 2024 to just USD 0.24 million in October 2025. Petroleum exports also declined from USD 121.44 million to USD 83 million year-over-year.

Exports of rubber products fell 5.40 percent to USD 80.12 million, and spices and essential oils plunged by 25.17 percent to USD 38.39 million, reflecting poor performance across multiple commodity segments.

In the market breakdown, the United States remained Sri Lanka’s top export destination, absorbing 23 percent of exports, but purchases dipped 0.46 percent to USD 246.2 million. India retained its position as the second-largest market, yet exports to India dropped 10.03 percent to USD 74.49 million, despite outpacing the United Kingdom.

The data suggests that Sri Lanka’s export sector continues to face challenges from weakening demand in major markets and mixed performances across traditional and emerging products.