Graphical Summary of Import and Export Industries of Sri Lanka from 2004 to 2013. Submitted for the module "Macroeconomics" during the 2nd semester of the Transport and Logistics Management Degree Program at University of Moratuwa.

1. FOREIGN TRADE OF SRI LANKA
(2004 – 2013)
HASHAN RAHUBADDHA
141456 X

2. 1
Foreign Trade
Sri Lanka was a contracting party to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
and also became the founding member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). For
decades, the country assumed a proactive role as a driving force to trigger trade liberalization
in the region. Sri Lanka is also a member of South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA).
Export
Major Export products during last 10 years
1. Textile and Garments
2. Natural Rubber Products
3. Petroleum and Chemical Products
4. Gems, Diamonds and Jewelry
5. Machinery, Mechanical and Other Industrial Products
6. Food, Beverage and Tobacco(includes tea, coconut)
table 1- value of Industrial Exports ( 2004 – 2013)
source – board of investment, Sri Lanka/ Sri Lanka Customs

3. 2
Table 2– selected imports by metric tons
Sri Lanka is the largest exporter of black tea in the world and the third largest producer of
natural rubber. A variety of gemstones, for which Sri Lanka is world famous, are also
exported. Significant quantities of high-grade graphite, for which Sri Lanka is a world leader,
are also exported.
table 3– exports by principal countries

4. 3
Chart 1- export destinations 2013
Source – Annual Report - Ministry of Finance and Planning - Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka exports are mostly textiles and garments (40% of total exports) and tea (17%). Others
include: spices, gems, coconut products, rubber and fish. Main export partners are United States,
United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium and Italy.
TRENDS IN EXPORTS 2004- 2013
Chart 2 – Exports by USD Million (2004- 2013)

5. 4
IMPORTS
Most Imported Items during last 10 years
1. Consumer Goods
a. Rice
b. Flour
c. Sugar
d. Milk and Milk products
2. Intermediate Goods
a. Fertilizer
b. Fuel
c. Textile and Textile Articles
d. Wheat and Maze
3. Investment Goods
a. Building Materials
b. Transport equipment
c. Machinery and Equipment
4. Other Consumer Goods
a. Motor Cars and Cycles
b. Tires and Tubes
c. Medical and Pharmaceutical Products
Table 4- Selected Imports (2009 -2013)

6. 5
SELECTED IMPORTS (2004 -2013)
Table 5- Selected Imports By Weight
Sri Lanka’s Main Import Sources
1. India
2. People’s republic of China
3. Iran/ Saudi Arabia
4. Japan
5. United States of America
6. Canada
7. United Kingdom
8. Singapore
9. Australia
10. Russia

7. 6
TRENDS IN EXPORTS 2004- 2013
Chart 3- Sri Lanka Imports by USD million
Sri Lanka Balance of Trade 2004-2013
From 2004 to 2013 Sri Lanka had a negative balance of trade (trade loss). The amount of
import always have being greater than the exports.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
1645.10 1750.20 1986.40 498.00 2004 – 2013 USD Million Monthly