Sri Lankan exports of apparel and textiles increased by 19.3 percent to $4,082.81 mn during January to August 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, as per Sri Lankan Export Development Board. However, a few categories such as clothing accessories, knitted fabrics, textile floor coverings and yarn registered a decline in exports.
According to the board, the exports of made-up clothing accessories declined by 9.8 percent, knitted fabrics declined by 1.02 percent, yarn decreased by 15.61 percent and textile floor coverings reduced by 14.35 percent. However, the other textile and garment products noticed an impressive growth in exports during the period under review.
Sri Lankan merchandise exports increased by 12.04 percent to $8,853 mn compared to the corresponding period of 2021. Apparel and textiles were among the sectors that witnessed an outstanding growth. Earnings from the merchandise exports increased by 10.24 percent year over year (YoY) to $1,213.7 mn in August 2022 as per the data released by the Sri Lanka Customs. This was mainly due to the increase in earnings from exports of apparel and textiles.