Top 10 Export and Import in Sri Lanka

Key Highlights:

• The export and import in Sri Lanka potential exists in both established industries like textiles, tea, and rubber, as well as growing ones like processed food and renewable energy.

• Sri Lanka's exports in 2023 totaled $14.94 billion, a small decline from the previous year.

• As per the Sri Lanka export products list, Garments, tea, rubber, precious stones, and Processed food, Machinery and equipment, Chemicals, Fuel, Cinnamon, Other are the top 10 exports in Sri Lanka  and Sri Lanka major exports.

• Based on Sri Lanka import products list, Fuel (refined and crude), Machinery and equipment, Chemicals, Food and beverages, Textiles, Raw materials, Pharmaceuticals, Vehicles, Fertilizers, others are the top 10 imports in Sri Lanka and major imports of Sri Lanka.

• The top 10 exporters in Sri Lanka include Interocean Energy Pvt Ltd, A J Fishing Industries Pvt Ltd, Colombo Dockyard Plc, Dhanusha Marine Lanka Exports Pvt Ltd, Jostein Viksund Design And Mod Centre Pvt Ltd, Neil Fernando And Co Pvt Ltd, Ocean Voyager International Pvt Ltd, Crescent Lanka Shipping Pvt Ltd, Canlac International (Private) Limited, Cargo Worldwide Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

Sri Lanka, an incredible island nation located in the Indian Ocean, has a rich history and diverse culture. Its strategic location and lush plains have shaped its economic landscape, positioning it as a major player in worldwide trade. According to Sri Lanka export import data, the country's top exports are apparel and textiles, tea, rubber, and coconut goods. In contrast, its main imports are petroleum products, mildly rubberized knitted fabric, broadcasting equipment, and semi-finished iron. 

This blog explores the top export and import in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka export products list or Sri Lanka import products list and involvement in the global market.

Firstly, we discuss business opportunities and export and import in Sri Lanka!

Trade business Opportunities in Sri Lanka  

Sri Lanka is a lower-middle-income country with a sizable middle class that prefers US and Western products and services. The country requires massive infrastructure improvements in public transportation, ports, public housing, water supply, and power generation.

Due to its unsustainable public debt loads, the government has ordered that all development initiatives be built-own-operate-transfer, with no debt-funded projects. However, the export business in Sri Lanka provides opportunities for traders, such as:

• Sri Lanka has established and well-regarded businesses such as textiles, tea, and rubber, which are noted for their high quality.

• Sri Lanka provides chances in emerging industries such as processed food, information technology, and renewable energy, 

Did you know? Exports from Sri Lanka provide benefits to traders!

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Export from Sri Lanka: A Key Advantage for Traders

Here is the list of export from Sri Lanka:

• Apparel & Textiles.

• Boat and Ship Building.

• Ceylon Tea.

• Coconut & Coconut based Products.

• Diamonds, Gems & Jewellery.

• Food, Feed & Beverages.

• Rubber & Rubber Based Products.

• Spices, 

• Essential Oils & Oleoresins.

• Printing, Prepress and Packaging Products

• Tobacco

So these are Sri Lanka major exports. Aside from its proximity to emerging markets and a skilled and qualified workforce, Sri Lanka has various advantages and incentives to offer global buyers and investors. Our narrative is one of growth and achievement in many ways. After a rough start, the country has surpassed many of its South Asian neighbors in terms of financial, human, and social growth.

Related Blog: Spices and Herbs Export from Sri Lanka: Guide for Traders

Export from Sri Lanka Growth Chart:

While Sri Lanka's export economy has struggled in recent years, it has shown signs of improvement. Here's a graphic showing Sri Lanka's export increase (year on year) during the previous five years:

Now. we'll take a closer look at Sri Lanka import and export statistics or total exports and imports in Sri Lanka!

Sri Lanka Import and Export Statistics: 2022-23

In terms of Exports:

According to Sri Lanka major exports statitistics, Sri Lanka's overall exports in 2023 were $14.94 billion, which included product exports ($11.85 billion) and anticipated service exports ($3.08 billion). It is only a 0.39% decrease from the previous year's worth (US$ 14.99 billion). The estimated growth in service exports is approximately 63%.

Sources: Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Customs

 In terms of Imports:

Now, let’s explore top exports and imports in Sri Lanka!

Top 10 export products in Sri Lanka

Here's a table showing Sri Lanka's top 10 export products, Sri Lanka major exports, and their expected export values in 2023:

Sri Lanka Major Exports are:

• Garments

• Tea

• Rubber

• Precious stones and gems

• Processed food

• Machinery and equipment

• Chemicals

• Fuel

• Cinnamon

• Other

Let’s summarize each of them!

• A small number of significant industries dominate Sri Lanka's export environment. 

• The clothing sector leads the way, accounting for 45% of total exports. 

• This emphasizes Sri Lanka's position as a competitive manufacturing hub for clothes and textile items. 

• The tea sector follows closely after, accounting for 20% of Sri Lanka's export revenues. The country's reputation for producing high-quality tea is world-renowned.

• The main exports of Sri Lanka includes rubber, precious stones, and jewels all contribute considerably to Sri Lanka's exports, with 15% and 10%, respectively. 

Furthermore, areas such as processed foods, machinery and equipment, chemicals, and fuels illustrate main exports of Sri Lanka. While these industries have lower proportions separately, they collectively represent a significant segment of Sri Lanka.

Now, explore the top exporters of Sri Lanka in 2023-24!

Top 10 Exporters in Sri Lanka 

These are the top exporters or 10 export companies in Sri Lanka!

1. Interocean Energy Pvt Ltd

2. A J Fishing Industries Pvt Ltd

3. Colombo Dockyard Plc

4. Dhanusha Marine Lanka Exports Pvt Ltd

5. Jostein Viksund Design And Mod Centre Pvt Ltd

6. Neil Fernando And Co Pvt Ltd

7. Ocean Voyager International Pvt Ltd

8. Crescent Lanka Shipping Pvt Ltd

9. Canlac International (Private) Limited

10. Cargo Worldwide Lanka (Pvt) Ltd

So, these are the top 10 exporters in Sri Lanka. However, if you need the updated Sri Lanka export products list or the main exports of Sri Lanka, or Sri Lanka importers, connect with the Eximpedia.app and explore the statistics on export and import in Sri Lanka.

Let’s dive into the top 10 import products in Sri Lanka or Sri Lanka import products list!

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Top 10 Import products in Sri Lanka

Here's a table showing Sri Lanka's top 10 import products or Sri Lanka import products list  and their expected export values in 2023:

Sri Lanka Major Imports are:

• Fuel (refined and crude)

• Machinery and equipment

• Chemicals

• Food and beverages

• Textiles

• Raw materials

• Pharmaceuticals

• Vehicles

• Fertilizers

• Other

Let’s summarize each of them!

• Fuel imports make up the largest part (20%), demonstrating the country's reliance on refined and crude petroleum products to power its transportation sector, industries, and power generation. 

• Machinery and equipment imports (15%) are critical to industrial development, manufacturing, and infrastructure initiatives.

• As per Sri Lanka importers data, Chemicals play an important part in several Sri Lankan sectors, accounting for 10% of total imports. 

Also Read: Comprehensive Guide for India Top 10 Imports Products

• Food and beverages (8%) serve Sri Lanka's expanding population and different consumer demands. 

• The textile sector, a significant exporter, also imports raw materials and specialty fabrics (7%).

• Sri Lanka's industrial and agricultural sectors rely on imported raw materials (6%) and fertilizers (3%). 

• Pharmaceuticals (5%) and automobiles (4%) provide critical consumer demands and contribute to the transportation sector. 

Now, explore the top exporters of Sri Lanka in 2023-24!

Top 10 Sri Lanka importers

These are the top Sri Lanka importers or 10 importers companies in Sri Lanka!

• Dunhinda Agro International

• Falco International Trading Pte Ltd

• Greenland Commodities

• Long Life Electronics Sri Lanka

• National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka

• Nidro Supply Private Limited

• Stassen Group

• Unistar International (Pvt) Ltd. 

• Venture Green Global

• World Mart Ceylon

So, these are the top 10 importers in Sri Lanka. However, if you need the updated Sri Lanka import products list or the main imports of Sri Lanka, or Sri Lanka importers, connect with the Eximpedia.app and explore the statistics on export and import in Sri Lanka.

Also read: Evolution of Top 10 Global Trade Countries: Look Inside the Trade dynamics

How to find Sri Lanka importers?

To discover updated Sri Lanka import export data, or Sri Lanka importers, you must work with industry professionals and export-import providers like Eximpedia.app who can supply you with valuable and up-to-date statistics for the  exports and imports in Sri Lanka, as well as support throughout the process. We also offer detailed Sri Lanka trade data and insights into the worldwide market industry. 

Wind up!

To summarize, Sri Lanka's economy is strongly based on commerce, with a wide range of imports and exports. The country's biggest imports are refined petroleum, textiles, and machinery, and its top exports are clothes, tea, and rubber products. 

If you are a trader seeking a list of HS Codes, exports and imports in Sri Lanka, obtaining current Sri Lanka market information requires a well-researched study. EximPedia is committed to providing an honest and authentic market report. Also, if you have any questions regarding  main exports of Sri Lanka, exports and imports in Sri Lanka,or Sri Lanka importers, please get in touch with our devoted expert team anytime! Book a free live demo to expand your business into the worldwide market!

Frequently Ask Question (FAQ’s)

1. What Are the Major Imports of Sri Lanka?

As per statistics on exports and imports in Sri Lanka, the primary imports of Sri Lanka are gasoline, machinery and equipment, chemicals, and food.

2. Sri Lanka Is Famous for Exporting Which Product?

Sri Lanka's economy is unrestricted, with a trade-to-GDP ratio that exceeds 100%. The country's main exports include tea, textiles and apparel, rubber and rubber products, gems and jewellery, and seafood.    

3. What Are Sri Lanka's Top Exports?

  As per Sri Lanka export product list, the top Sri Lanka’s exports are:

• Garments

• Tea

• Rubber

• Precious stones and gems

• Processed food

4. What Is the Total Import Export Sri Lanka?

According to Sri Lanka Import Data, Sri Lanka imports were valued at $17.3 billion in 2022, while in terms of exports, Sri Lanka's overall exports in 2023 were $14.94 billion, which included product exports ($11.85 billion) 

5. What Are the List Import Items to Sri Lanka?

According to Sri Lanka import products list, or Sri Lanka importers data,  the import items to Sri Lanka includes:

• Fuel (refined and crude)

• Machinery and equipment

• Chemicals

• Food and beverages

• Textiles

6. List of the High Demand Products in Sri Lanka

The list of high demand products in Sri Lanka Includes:

• Coconut

• Rubber

• Tea

• Cotton

• Textiles

• Plastic

• GEMS

• Alcohol Beverages

• Spices

7. What Are the Exports and Imports in Sri Lanka?

As per the top 10 exports and imports in Sri Lanka: In terms of exports, Garments, Tea, Rubber, Precious stones, and gems and Processed food, and in terms of imports, Fuel (refined and crude, Machinery and equipment, Chemicals, Food and beverages and Textiles.