Trade Surplus Posts $531Milion in April in Export, Tourism, Remittance Gains
- CNL Reporter
- June 2, 2025
- News
- Tourism
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Sri Lanka recorded a $531 million surplus in April 2025 as foreign currency inflows reached $2.2 billion, surpassing imports of $1.68 billion, official data show. Export earnings stood at $968.4 million, typically lower in April due to holidays.
Remittances totaled $646.1 million, while services, including tourism, brought in $602.5 million—with tourism alone contributing $256.7 million.
However, IT/BPO earnings dropped 12.9% to $61.6 million. A new IMF-backed tax on services is reportedly prompting professionals to retain income abroad. Despite stable goods imports, rising capital goods point to growing private sector investment.
The primary income account showed a $107 million deficit due to higher interest payments. A $175 million current account surplus suggests financial outflows.
Economists warn that recent rate cuts could threaten reserve levels if credit growth expands without sufficient foreign inflows, highlighting the delicate balance between monetary easing and reserve stability.
