Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports in September recorded US$ 995.8 million as per the data released by the Customs.
EDB Chairman Suresh D. de Mel said, “Observing the export figures of September, it is remarkable to see that our exporters performed this well amidst travel restrictions and lockdowns due to the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka. Exports show a strong resilience with merchandise and services exports performing well.
“We are confident that this trend will continue, and I commend all our exporters for their commitment to support the national economy by bringing in the much-needed foreign exchange. My staff and I at the EDB are committed to facilitate the export sector and pledge our support to all exporters during these challenging times,” he said.
Merchandise exports recorded during the third Quarter of 2021 increased by 5.0% to US$ 3,182.83 million compared with the same period in 2020. Similarly, exports increased by 6.7% compared with the same period in 2019.
Export earnings from Apparel and Textiles have increased by 5.83 % y-o-y to $ 457.05 million in September 2021 with strong performance in exports of Apparel (7.71%) and Woven Fabrics (62.73%). On a year-on-year basis, exports of Made-Up Textile Articles and Yarn and other Textile Articles declined by 40.26% and 34.14% respectively. Further, export earnings from Apparel and Textile decreased by 7.01 % in September 2021 in comparison to August 2021.
Export earnings from Rubber and Rubber Finished products have increased by 20.04 % y-o-y to $ 96.09 million in September 2021, with strong performance in exports of industrial and surgical gloves (47.65%), Pneumatic and Retreated Rubber Tyres and Tubes (15.31%) and gaskets, washers and seals of hard rubber (28.72%).
Except Coconut kernel products, export earnings from fiber products and shell products categorised under the Coconut based products increased by 3.98% and 26.73% respectively in September 2021 compared to September 2020.
On a year-on-year basis, export earnings from desiccated coconut, coconut milk powder and coconut cream categorised under Coconut Kernel Products increased by 9.22%, 10.53% and 29.11% in September 2021. However, earnings from the export of Coconut Oil and Liquid Coconut Milk decreased by 31.47% and 13.04% in September 2021.
Being the largest contributor to the Coconut based sector, Coco Peat, Fiber Pith and Moulded products which are categorised under the Coconut fibre products, increased by 26.73% to US$ 14.08 mn in September 2021 in comparison to September 2020.