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ஜெனரல்
Sri Lanka's trade deficit widened to $6.07 billion in 2024 as imports grew faster than exports, driven by higher trade volumes despite declining unit values.
Sri Lanka's trade deficit widened to $6.07 billion in 2024 from $4.9 billion in 2023 as import growth outpaced export earnings. Merchandise exports rose by 7.2% to $12,772 million, the second highest in history, driven by petroleum products, textiles and garments, tea, and coconut-related products, while gems, diamonds, and machinery exports declined. December exports reached $1,102 million, supported by industrial and agricultural goods. Merchandise imports grew by 12.1% to $18,841 million, with notable increases in machinery, textiles, chemicals, and consumer goods, despite a decline in fuel imports. December imports peaked at $1,924 million, led by consumer and investment goods. The terms of trade declined to 85.5 index points, with export and import volumes rising but unit values falling, indicating that higher trade volumes primarily drove the changes in trade performance.
