Sri Lanka’s export of surgical and other gloves increases

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s exports fell 3.5 percent from a year earlier to $964 million in December 2020, recovering from 16.3 percent drop in October amid a second wave of coronavirus, official data cited by Economy Next show.

Imports fell 14.4 percent to $1,527 million as tourism receipts fell to an estimated $0.7 million from $455 million.

The trade deficit fell to $562 million from $784 million in December.

Sri Lanka’s exports recovered strongly up to September 2021, but a second wave of coronavirus disrupted activity, according to Economy Next.

Industrial exports fell 5.4 percent to $755.5 million with textile imports falling 6.5 percent to $451 million.

Rubber products rose 2.6 percent to $74.9 million, machinery and medical appliances rose 33.4 percent to $39.6 million becoming the third largest industrial export.

“The export of garments to the EU increased slightly, while exports to the US and other destinations declined significantly,” the central bank said in the Economy Next report.

“Earnings from the export of petroleum products that comprises bunkering and aviation fuel and other petroleum products declined due to the decline in quantities supplied as well as prices.

“On the other hand, the export of surgical and other gloves increased significantly.”

Rubber tires, gems and jewelry, animal fodder, leather, travel goods and footwear and most items under base metals except copper had declined.