Sri Lanka Trade Balance
External balance on goods and services NE.RSB.GNFS.CD
Sri Lanka's trade balance was $-773.0M in 2025, ranked 101st globally. This represents a 70.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Sri Lanka's trade balance stood at $-773.0M in 2025, a rise of +$1.8B from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach $-773.0M by 2025. Sri Lanka ranked 101st globally.
Sri Lanka's trade balance has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past six decades, with the country experiencing both robust exports and substantial import-driven deficits. The trade balance peaked in 1977 at 150,169,109.36, a value far surpassing that of its peer countries, including Benin, which ranked 101 globally with a trade balance of -641,877,058.22 in 2025. Conversely, the trade balance hit an all-time low in 2021, plummeting to -6,540,800,573.15. The most recent data available shows a trade deficit of -773,032,836.76 in 2025, a significant improvement from the 2021 trough but still a substantial burden on the economy. Sri Lanka's trade balance has been shaped by a complex mix of factors, including fluctuations in global commodity prices and shifts in economic policy. To improve its trade balance, Sri Lanka may need to focus on diversifying its exports and promoting domestic manufacturing to reduce reliance on imports.
Data & projection
| Year | Trade Balance | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | $1.2B | - | - |
| 2026* trend | $222.2M | - | - |
| 2025* trend | $-773.0M | - | - |
| 2025 | $-773.0M | +$1.8B | #101 |
| 2024 | $-2.6B | −$791.1M | #44 |
| 2023 | $-1.8B | +$835.5M | #58 |
| 2022 | $-2.6B | +$3.9B | #58 |
| 2021 | $-6.5B | −$1.3B | #25 |
| 2020 | $-5.2B | −$64.0M | #25 |
| 2019 | $-5.1B | +$1.4B | #28 |
| 2018 | $-6.5B | −$217.8M | #26 |
| 2017 | $-6.3B | −$310.5M | #23 |
| 2016 | $-6.0B | +$63.3M | #23 |
| 2015 | $-6.1B | −$3.3B | #25 |
| 2009 | $-2.7B | +$2.8B | #36 |
| 2008 | $-5.6B | −$2.2B | #30 |
| 2007 | $-3.4B | −$246.2M | #35 |
| 2006 | $-3.1B | −$931.1M | #28 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Sri Lanka matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw trade balance improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's trade balance was $-773.0M in 2025. Ranked 101st globally. This represents a 70.2% increase from the previous year.
Sri Lanka's trade balance peaked at $150.2M in 1977.
The lowest trade balance in Sri Lanka was $-6.5B in 2021.
Sri Lanka ranks 101st globally in trade balance as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.RSB.GNFS.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sri Lanka's trade balance is projected to reach $-773.0M by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The trade balance of Sri Lanka in 2025 was $-773.0M. This ranks 101st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_trade-balance,
title = {Sri Lanka Trade Balance},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/trade-balance/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}