Top 10 Products Sri Lanka Imports and Exports by Country
Explore Sri Lanka's top 10 imports and exports by country, highlighting major products and trading partners shaping its global trade.

Sri Lanka is a beautiful island nation in South Asia known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant economy. The country has a thriving import and export industry, with a diverse range of products traded with countries worldwide. According to the Sri Lanka import data, Sri Lanka’s total imports amounted to $16.29 billion, while Sri Lanka’s total exports accounted for $11.61 billion in 2023 as per the Sri Lanka export data.
Based on the Sri Lanka custom data for 2024, Sri Lanka’s total exports reached $9.64 billion, while the country’s imports totaled $13.56 billion in the first three quarters of 2024. As per the Sri Lanka shipment data for 2024, India and China are the biggest import partners of Sri Lanka, while the USA and the UK are Sri Lanka’s biggest export partners. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 products that Sri Lanka imports and exports by country, and the countries that it trades with.
Top 10 Sri Lanka Import Products List: Sri Lanka Import Data by HS Code
In examining the Top Ten Imports of Sri Lanka through the lens of Sri Lanka Import Data by HS Code, it becomes evident that the country's economic landscape is deeply influenced by a diverse range of imports. From machinery and electronics to refined petroleum and vehicles, Sri Lanka showcases a dynamic import portfolio, as Mineral fuels are Sri Lanka’s biggest imports based on the Sri Lanka customs import data under HS code 27. The top 10 products that Sri Lanka Import Commodities, as per the Sri Lanka import data for 2023-24 are:
- Mineral fuels and oils (HS code 27): $4.04 billion (24.79%)
- Nuclear reactors and machinery (HS code 84): $1.03 billion (6.36%)
- Electrical machinery and equipment (HS code 85): $937.44 million (5.75%)
- Knitted or crocheted fabrics (HS code 60): $780.43 million (4.79%)
- Pharmaceutical products (HS code 30): $559.92 million (3.44%)
- Plastics and articles thereof (HS code 39): $541.98 million (3.33%)
- Cotton (HS code 52): $520.80 million (3.2%)
- Iron and steel (HS code 72): $474.08 million (2.91%)
- Sugars and sugar confectionery (HS code 17): $435.30 million (2.67%)
- Paper and paperboard (HS code 48): $405.84 million (2.49%)
Sri Lanka Imports by Country: Sri Lanka Import Data by Country
Sri Lanka's imports are primarily dominated by India, accounting for $3.17 billion, which represents 19.5% of the country's imports. Following India, China and the UAE play significant roles in supplying goods to Sri Lanka. The top 10 Sri Lanka import partners as per the Sri Lanka customs data for 2023-24 are:
- India: $3.17 billion (19.5%)
India is Sri Lanka's largest trading partner when it comes to imports. The two countries have a long history of economic cooperation, and India supplies a wide range of products to Sri Lanka, including textiles, machinery, and pharmaceuticals.
- China: $3.08 billion (19%)
China is another major supplier of goods to Sri Lanka, accounting for a significant portion of the island nation's imports. Chinese products such as electronics, machinery, and construction materials are in high demand in Sri Lanka.
- United Arab Emirates: $1.56 billion (9.6%)
The United Arab Emirates is a key source of petroleum products for Sri Lanka, as well as a supplier of machinery, metals, and textiles. The trade relationship between the two countries has been growing steadily in recent years.
- Singapore: $863.37 million (5.3%)
Singapore is a major hub for trade in Southeast Asia, and Sri Lanka benefits from its proximity to this dynamic market. Sri Lanka imports a wide range of products from Singapore, including electronics, chemicals, and food products.
- Malaysia: $736.39 million (4.5%)
Malaysia is a key supplier of palm oil and rubber products to Sri Lanka, as well as electronic goods and machinery. The two countries have a strong trade relationship that is expected to continue growing in the future.
- USA: $511.75 million (3.1%)
The United States is an important source of technology and consumer goods for Sri Lanka, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles. The trade relationship between the two countries is characterized by mutual benefit and cooperation.
- Russia: $393.55 million (2.4%)
Russia supplies Sri Lanka with petroleum products, metals, and machinery, among other goods. The two countries have a long history of economic cooperation, and Sri Lanka's imports from Russia are expected to increase in the coming years.
- Indonesia: $375.50 million (2.3%)
Indonesia is a key supplier of palm oil, rubber, and textiles to Sri Lanka, as well as chemicals and machinery. The two countries have a strong trade relationship that is bolstered by cultural and historical ties.
- Oman: $348.77 million (2.1%)
Oman is a significant supplier of petroleum products to Sri Lanka, as well as textiles and machinery. The two countries have a growing trade relationship that is based on shared interests and mutual benefit.
- Pakistan: $323.15 million (2%)
This country supplies Sri Lanka with textiles, machinery, and agricultural products, among other goods. The trade relationship between the two countries is characterized by close cooperation and economic synergy.
Top 10 Sri Lanka Export Product List: Sri Lanka Export Data by HS Code
The top 10 exports of Sri Lanka showcase the country's diverse trade portfolio and global market presence. According to Sri Lanka export data by country, the nation excels in various industries including textiles, tea, rubber, and machinery. Articles of apparel & clothing, knitted are the country’s biggest export product as per the Sri Lanka customs export data under HS code 61. Sri Lanka's top 10 exports or the top 10 products that Sri Lanka exports by country, as per the Sri Lanka Export Commodities and export data for 2023-24 are:
- Articles of apparel & clothing, knitted (HS code 61): $2.70 billion (23.29%)
- Articles of apparel & clothing, not knitted (HS code 62): $1.73 billion (14.93%)
- Coffee, tea, and spices (HS code 09): $1.65 billion (14.25%)
- Rubber and articles thereof (HS code 40): $929.83 million (8%)
- Precious stones and metals, pearls (HS code 71): $388.16 million (3.34%)
- Electrical machinery and equipment (HS code 85): $362.45 million (3.12%)
- Mineral fuels and oils (HS code 27): $309.98 million (2.67%)
- Fish and seafood (HS code 03): $288.63 million (2.48%)
- Nuclear reactors and machinery (HS code 84): $235.43 million (2.03%)
- Preparations of vegetables, fruit, & nuts (HS code 20): $202.75 million (1.75%)
Search here by HS code : https://www.tradeimex.in/hs-code
Sri Lanka Exports by Country: Sri Lanka Export Data by Country
Sri Lanka's export data by country reveals that the United States stands as the top importer, accounting for $2.75 billion, making up 23.8% of Sri Lanka's total exports. Following suit are the United Kingdom and India as significant trading partners for the country. The top 10 export partners of Sri Lanka as per the Sri Lanka shipment data and export records for 2023-24 include:
- USA: $2.75 billion (23.8%)
Sri Lanka exports a variety of products to the USA, including tea, textiles, and apparel.
- United Kingdom: $846.15 million (7.3%)
The United Kingdom imports a significant amount of Sri Lankan tea and apparel.
- India: $829.70 million (7.1%)
India is a major importer of Sri Lankan tea, textiles, and apparel.
- Italy: $679.04 million (5.8%)
Italy imports a large quantity of Sri Lankan tea and textiles.
- Germany: $587.40 million (5.1%)
Sri Lanka exports tea, rubber, and textiles to Germany.
- United Arab Emirates: $357.09 million (3.1%)
The UAE is a key importer of Sri Lankan tea and textiles.
- Netherlands: $343.46 million (3%)
Sri Lanka exports a variety of products, including tea and textiles, to the Netherlands.
- France: $306.23 million (2.6%)
France imports a range of Sri Lankan products, such as tea and textiles.
- Canada: $293.20 million (2.5%)
Canada is a significant market for Sri Lankan tea and textiles.
- China: $257.73 million (2.2%)
China imports a variety of Sri Lankan products, with tea being a major export.
Sri Lanka Import-Export Data in the Last 10 Years: Sri Lanka Trade Data Yearly Analysis
Year of Trade |
Sri Lanka’s total imports ($) |
Sri Lanka’s total exports ($) |
2013 |
$17.93 billion |
$10 billion |
2014 |
$19.24 billion |
$11.29 billion |
2015 |
$18.96 billion |
$10.43 billion |
2016 |
$19.50 billion |
$10.54 billion |
2017 |
$21.31 billion |
$11.74 billion |
2018 |
$22.20 billion |
$11.90 billion |
2019 |
$19.47 billion |
$11.97 billion |
2020 |
$15.60 billion |
$10.70 billion |
2021 |
$21.50 billion |
$13.33 billion |
2022 |
$17.30 billion |
$12.77 billion |
2023 |
$16.29 billion |
$11.61 billion |
Sri Lanka's Trade Trends for 2024: Import-Export Scenario
As of the year 2024, Sri Lanka's export situation is improving, with a notable rise in food, coconut-based, and manufactured goods exports and a moderate increase in imports, which has resulted in a narrowing trade deficit according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The EU, India, and the US are important export destinations, with an emphasis on growing the tourism industry to further boost service exports. Sri Lanka had a total trade deficit or trade balance of $3.92 billion in 2024 (first three quarters) resulting in a negative trade balance as Sri Lanka imported more goods than it exported in 2024.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sri Lanka's import and export industry plays a vital role in the country's economy, with a diverse range of products being traded with countries around the world. Sri Lanka is a key player in the global market, from petroleum products and textiles to tea and gemstones. By strengthening trade relationships and diversifying its product offerings, Sri Lanka is poised for continued growth and success in the international marketplace.
To get access to the exclusive Sri Lanka Import-Export Data along with insights into Sri Lanka importers-exporters data and buyers-suppliers list, visit TradeImeX and contact us at info@tradeimex.in.
What's Your Reaction?
