Sri Lanka’s trade deficit widens to US$5.5 BillionPosted by Onlanka News Desk on August 3, 2026 - 10:51 amSri Lanka’s merchandise trade deficit widened to US$5.49 billion in the first half of 2026 as goods imports grew much faster than goods exports. The deficit increased from US$3.27 billion during the same period in 2025, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s External Sector Performance report for June 2026, released on July 31. Merchandise exports increased by 6.3% to US$6.90 billion during the first six months of 2026, from US$6.49 billion a year earlier. In June alone, the merchandise trade deficit widened to US$828.5 million, from US$540.3 million in June 2025. Sri Lanka’s external current account recorded a deficit of US$148.7 million in June, marking the third consecutive monthly deficit.