Economy & Growth

SL’s vehicle imports rise in March 2026

Sri Lanka’s vehicle imports, both personal and commercial vehicles, recorded a rise of $ 1 million as of March 2026, which were valued around of $ 195 million in March, compared to $ 194 million in February 2026, bringing total vehicle imports to $ 613 million during Q1 in 2026, according to the latest external sector data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

The figures indicated a continued return of vehicle imports after the government lifted the temporary suspension in a new set of regulations.

The overall merchandise trade recorded a wide deficit in March 2026, following a stronger growth in imports relative to exports. In Q1 2026, the merchandise trade estimated a deficit of $ 2.3 billion, compared to $ 1.5 billion in the corresponding period of 2025, according to the report. Meanwhile, the terms of trade deteriorated on a year-on-year basis in Q1 2026, following a decline in export prices exceeding the decline in import prices.

Source: The Morning