Trade
On this page, we record with pride the resilience of the trade with Italy, in spite of economic upheaval in Sri Lanka, Italy and the world, since the formation of our Council.
There was significant increase from 2005, in exports between Sri Lanka and Italy recording an impressive growth. A steady growth of exports could be seen, in the table below, and we are happy to report that growth in Euro terms of bilateral trade returned after the COVID19 crisis and depression by 2023, with industrial and consumer retail customers in Italy appreciating the potential and quality of Sri Lankan materials.
The loss of the EU GSP Plus on 15th August 2010 was a turning point. It was regained on 19th May 2017. The rollercoaster vagaries of the Euro-USD cross rate, has perennially affected imports from Italy to Sri Lanka, in one way or the other.
The Balance of Trade remains overwhelmingly in Sri Lanka's favour, since 2004.
Italian Trade Fairs
are among the most attended and productive (in forming new and improving
business relationships) in the world.
Events Eye: Trade Fairs in Italy
AUMA : Trade Fairs in Italy
SUMMARY OF SRI LANKA - ITALY TRADE
| All Figures in LKR Million |
Year | Exports | Imports | Balance of Trade |
| 1998 | 4,287 | 5,370 | (1,083) | |
| 1999 | 4,517 | 5,342 | (825) | |
| 2000 | 5,095 | 4,801 | 294 | |
| 2001 | 5,414 | 5,900 | (486) | |
| 2002 | 6,791 | 7,992 | (1,201) | |
| 2003 | 11,206 | 11,810 | (604) | |
| 2004 | 15.522 | 13,756 | 1,766 | |
| 2005 | 19,952 | 15,132 | 4,820 | |
| 2006 | 26,817 | 16,387 | 10,430 | |
| 2007 | 43,368 | 23,088 | 20,281 | |
| 2008 | 48,208 | 25,177 | 23,032 | |
| 2009 | 50,263 | 19,132 | 31,132 | |
| 2010 | 52,283 | 22,613 | 29,670 | |
| 2011 | 67,441 | 33,248 | 34,192 | |
| 2012 | 67,800 | 37,567 | 27,233 | |
| 2013 | 65,905 | 32,583 | 33,323 | |
| 2014 | 80,160 | 34,589 | 45,571 | |
| 2015 | 59,007 | 28,476 | 30,531 | |
| 2016 | 62,341 | 40,234 | 22,107 | |
| 2017 | 80,781 | 46,506 | 34,275 | |
| 2018 | 93,897 | 51,663 | 42,234 | |
| 2019 | 94,993 | 54,917 | 40,076 | |
| 2020 | 84,560 | 49,434 | 35,126 | |
| 2021 | 115,080 | 62,572 | 52,508 | |
| 2022 | 208,295 | 93,639 | 114,657 | |
| 2023 | 221,693 | 79,917 | 141,776 | |
| 2024 | pending | |||
Source: Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
Source: Foreign Trade / Information Division, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce from raw data supplied by Sri Lanka Customs
Last updated 09 September 2024
