Sri Lanka Trade Openness
Trade as % of GDP NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS
Sri Lanka's trade openness was 46.06% in 2025, ranked 154th globally. This represents a 8.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Sri Lanka's trade openness stood at 46.06% in 2025, a rise of +3.67% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 46.06% by 2025. Sri Lanka ranked 154th globally.
Sri Lanka's trade openness, measured as a percentage of its merchandise trade to GDP, has fluctuated significantly over the past six decades. With a latest value of 46.06%, Sri Lanka ranks 154th globally, a considerable drop from its all-time peak of 88.64% in 2000. Conversely, the country experienced an all-time low of 37.09% in 2020, indicating a substantial decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to its peers, Sri Lanka's trade openness is relatively lower than Indonesia's 46.61%. The country's trade openness has been in a downward trend since 2000, with a notable decrease in recent years. This decline is likely attributed to various factors, including economic instability and political uncertainty. As Sri Lanka continues to navigate its economic challenges, a sustained recovery in trade openness will depend on the country's ability to stabilize its economy and attract foreign investment, which would likely change the trajectory of its trade openness.
Data & projection
| Year | Trade Openness | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 48.65% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 47.36% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 46.06% | - | - |
| 2025 | 46.06% | +3.67% | #154 |
| 2024 | 42.40% | −1.14% | #24 |
| 2023 | 43.54% | −3.15% | #24 |
| 2022 | 46.68% | +5.45% | #25 |
| 2021 | 41.23% | +4.14% | #19 |
| 2020 | 37.09% | −12.34% | #21 |
| 2019 | 49.43% | −0.38% | #37 |
| 2018 | 49.81% | +2.67% | #33 |
| 2017 | 47.14% | +0.67% | #35 |
| 2016 | 46.47% | −0.45% | #33 |
| 2015 | 46.92% | −2.23% | #31 |
| 2009 | 49.15% | −14.22% | #37 |
| 2008 | 63.37% | −5.24% | #48 |
| 2007 | 68.61% | −2.65% | #60 |
| 2006 | 71.26% | −2.34% | #70 |
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 openness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's trade openness was 46.06% in 2025. Ranked 154th globally. This represents a 8.6% increase from the previous year.
Sri Lanka's trade openness peaked at 88.64% in 2000.
The lowest trade openness in Sri Lanka was 37.09% in 2020.
Sri Lanka ranks 154th globally in trade openness as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sri Lanka's trade openness is projected to reach 46.06% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The trade openness of Sri Lanka in 2025 was 46.06%. This ranks 154th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_trade-openness,
title = {Sri Lanka Trade Openness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/trade-openness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}