Sri Lanka Trade Partners: Catalysts of Growth and Global Connectivity

Key Points:

• According to Sri Lanka trade statistics, Sri Lanka trade partners are the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and China.
• Based on Sri Lanka trade data, the country's trade deficit in April 2025 grew from USD 557.7 million in the same month the year before to USD 717.5 million.
• The top Sri Lanka export partners include the USA, the United Kingdom, India, Italy, Germany and the United Arab Emirates.
• The major import partners of Sri Lanka include India and China, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Malaysia.

Sri Lanka has become a major player in international trade thanks to its advantageous location along important Indian Ocean trade routes. In addition to bolstering the country's economy, its varied trade alliances also improve its standing as a connecting hub for Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

From apparel and tea exports to machinery and petroleum imports, Sri Lanka’s trade relationships reflect both its strengths and its growing integration into the international marketplace. Exploring these trade partners provides valuable insights into how Sri Lanka leverages global networks to drive growth and economic resilience. In this blog, we will explore the top Sri Lanka trade partners, Sri Lanka's biggest trading partners, Sri Lanka trade data, Sri Lanka import export data and other key trends.

Which is the Most Traded Item in Sri Lanka?

Tea and clothing/textiles are the most traded goods in Sri Lanka's export market, with clothing and apparel continuously ranking as the top export category in terms of both volume and value.

Crude petroleum and refined petroleum were Sri Lanka's top imports in 2023.

Top import: Mineral fuels, including oil 

• Value: In 2023, refined petroleum imports alone were valued at $2.34 billion, as per Sri Lanka import statistics. Other related imports include crude petroleum.
• Purpose: These fuels are essential for powering the country's transportation sector, industries, and electricity generation. 

Top export: Apparel and textiles 

• Value: This category includes both knitted and non-knitted clothing and accessories, making it Sri Lanka's largest export sector. In 2023, it accounted for over 40% of the country's merchandise exports.
• Markets: The main destinations for these exports are the United States and the United Kingdom.

Sri Lanka Trade Data: 2025 Analysis

Since 2022, Sri Lanka has been steadily recovering from a severe economic crisis. In 2024, its exports and imports came to about $16.2 billion and $18.9 billion, respectively, based on Sri Lanka trade data. It is making progress toward sustainable growth in spite of its trade deficit because of significant alliances and continuous reforms.

• Based on Sri Lanka import export data, the country's trade deficit in April 2025 grew from USD 557.7 million in the same month the year before to USD 717.5 million.
• The 17.5% year-over-year growth in imports to USD 1,685.9 million was primarily driven by investment goods (+50.1%) and consumer goods (+60.2%), especially a sharp 3,300% increase in personal car imports. 
• Meanwhile, exports rose 10.4% to USD 968.4 million, primarily due to higher shipments of agricultural products (+14.9%) and industrial goods (+9.2%), particularly chemical and transportation equipment.

In terms of exports:

According to Sri Lanka trade statistics, the country's total merchandise exports from January to April 2023 were US$ 3,811.83 million, a 9.78% drop from 2022. Sri Lanka's exports dropped 10% yearly to USD 972 million in September 2023. The fall was mostly brought on by a drop in global demand, which affected industry exports, especially apparel.

In terms of imports:

According to Sri Lanka import data, the value of Sri Lanka's imports in 2022 was $17.3 billion, an 11.2% decrease from $19.5 billion in 2018. Sri Lanka's total import value decreased from $21.5 billion in 2021 to 19.5% per year.

List of Sri Lanka Trade Partners in 2025

According to Sri Lanka import export data, Sri lanka largest trading partners in 2025 are projected to include the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and China, with the United States and the UK being major export destinations and China and India remaining significant import partners. The EU also remains a key export market.

Biggest Import Partners of Sri Lanka

Below is the list of the top import partners of Sri Lanka:

Thereby, these represent Sri Lanka's principal import partners. The two biggest import and trading partners of Sri Lanka are China and India. To know the updated list of Sri Lanka trade partners, Sri Lanka trade data, Indian import Data, Sri lanka top trading partners or Sri Lanka import export data, connect with the ExportImportData a top import export data provider.

Biggest Export Partners of Sri Lanka

Below is the list of the top export partners of Sri Lanka:

According to export data by country, the United States is Sri Lanka's biggest importer, spending $2.75 billion, or 23.8% of the nation's total exports. The UK and India are also significant trading partners for the country. 

How to Find Sri Lanka Buyers Globally?

To find out the Sri Lanka buyers list, suppliers list or Sri Lanka import export data. In addition to Sri Lanka import and export statistics, it offers an HS code list and online import and export data.

The list of Trading partners of Sri Lanka, or the most recent importers or buyers from Sri Lanka, may be of interest to you. They can give you the most recent Sri Lanka trade statistics and assist you at every stage.

For nations like the Philippines, Vietnam, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, the US, and others, we also offer thorough Indian export data, Indian trade data, Sri Lankan trade data and industry insights.

Final Words!

So, Sri Lanka’s trade partnerships continue to act as powerful catalysts for growth, shaping the country’s economic landscape and strengthening its global presence. By fostering strong bilateral ties and diversifying its trade portfolio, the island nation is building resilience against global uncertainties while creating new opportunities for sustainable development.

As Sri Lanka deepens its global connectivity, these partnerships will remain instrumental in unlocking long-term prosperity and ensuring the country’s position as a vital link in international trade. Moreover, if you still have any queries related to trading partners of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka trade data, Sri Lanka export partners, Sri Lanka's biggest trading partners, Sri Lanka import export data, or import export data online, connect with ExportImportData, a best Export Import Data Provider and book a live demonstration today.

Trading partners of Sri Lanka
 

Sri Lanka trade partners: India

Sri Lanka trade partners: United States