Sri Lanka Trade Deficit More Than Doubles in May

Sri Lanka’s trade deficit widened to $968 million in May 2026 from $473 million a year earlier, marking a 104.8% increase as import growth outpaced export gains.

Imports surged 45.4% to $2.19 billion, with fuel import spending jumping 112% due to higher oil prices and larger volumes.

Exports rose 13.4% to $1.70 billion, supported by an 18.3% increase in goods shipments to $1.2 billion, while services exports edged up 2.5% to $475 million.

In the first five months of the year, Sri Lanka’s cumulative trade deficit reached $4.66 billion.