ශ්රී ලංකා කොන්සල් ජනරාල් කාර්යාලය, ඩුබායි,එක්සත් අරාබි එමීර් රාජ්යය
இலங்கை கொன்சல் நாயகத்தின் அலுவலகம், துபாய், ஐக்கிய அரபு அமீரகம்
Consulate General of Sri Lanka, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Sri Lanka’s Trade Relations with United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Sri Lanka’s Exports, Imports, Total Trade & Balance of Trade with UAE
As shown in table 1 below, the total trade between the two countries has been rather erratic during 2021-2025.
Table 1: Trade with UAE
Values in US$ Mn.
| Year | Exports Value | Exports Growth (%) | Imports Value | Imports Growth (%) | Total Trade Turnover Value | Total Trade Turnover Growth (%) | Trade Balance | Import Coverage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 283.45 | - | 1,314.04 | - | 1,597.49 | - | -1,030.59 | 21.57 |
| 2022 | 351.99 | 24.18 | 913.71 | -30.47 | 1,265.69 | -20.77 | -561.72 | 38.52 |
| 2023 | 362.06 | 2.86 | 1,545.62 | 69.16 | 1,907.68 | 50.72 | -1,183.56 | 23.43 |
| 2024 | 335.15 | -7.43 | 1,367.74 | -11.51 | 1,702.89 | -10.74 | -1,032.59 | 24.50 |
| 2025 | 341.02 | 1.75 | 1,436.61 | 5.04 | 1,777.63 | 4.39 | -1,095.59 | 23.74 |
Source: Sri Lanka Customs
The value of Sri Lanka’s total exports to UAE has been fluctuated during the period of review and reported its peak level, USD 362.06 million in 2023. On the imports front, the value of imports from UAE has also been fluctuated and registered its peak level, USD 1, 545.62 million in 2023. The balance of trade has always been in favor of UAE.
Sri Lanka’s Exports to UAE
- UAE was the 7th largest export destination for Sri Lanka with a share of 2.62% in 2025.
- In the light of table 02 below, tea has become the dominant export item accounting for 32.22% of the value of Sri Lanka ‘s exports to UAE in 2025.
Table 2: Sri Lanka’s Major Export Items to UAE (2021 - 2025)
Values in US$ Mn.
| HS Code | Description | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Share in 2025 (%) | Change in 2025 over 2024 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0902 | Tea | 103.72 | 118.57 | 96.65 | 122.85 | 109.86 | 32.22 | -10.57 |
| 61862 | Apparel | 37.58 | 42.99 | 43.92 | 46.37 | 50.39 | 14.78 | 8.67 |
| 27101960 | Fuel oil | 32.11 | 64.67 | 94.33 | 30.68 | 27.35 | 8.02 | -10.83 |
| 1806 | Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa. | 3.76 | 4.00 | 6.12 | 10.93 | 14.99 | 4.39 | 37.13 |
| 20081930 | Coconut milk powder | 6.83 | 5.37 | 6.12 | 8.49 | 12.19 | 3.58 | 43.67 |
| 80111 | Desiccated Coconut | 2.53 | 7.90 | 7.43 | 8.24 | 10.38 | 3.05 | 25.98 |
| 21 | Miscellaneous edible Preparations (Except HS 2101) | 4.70 | 4.14 | 4.99 | 7.05 | 8.94 | 2.62 | 26.88 |
| 8011930 | Coconuts, Brazil nuts and cashew nuts, | - | - | 9.90 | 6.62 | 8.24 | 2.42 | 24.43 |
| 7102 | Diamonds, whether or not worked, but not mounted or set. | - | 0.39 | 4.20 | 11.74 | 6.53 | 1.92 | -44.38 |
| 080720 | Melons (including watermelons) and papows (papays), fresh. | 5.24 | 6.73 | 5.24 | 3.98 | 5.34 | 1.57 | 34.20 |
| 22 | Beverages, spirits and vinegar (Except HS 220290) | 3.40 | 5.29 | 3.32 | 4.93 | 5.05 | 1.48 | 2.37 |
| 27101940 | Gas oil/Diesel | 2.16 | 2.95 | 6.25 | 5.21 | 3.83 | 1.12 | -26.50 |
| 0908 | Nutmeg, mace and cardamoms | 1.66 | 2.43 | 0.36 | 1.01 | 3.63 | 1.07 | 259.12 |
| 080720 | Melons (including watermelons) and papows (papays), fresh. | - | - | 2.61 | 2.76 | 3.48 | 1.02 | 26.17 |
| 9999 | Others | 79.74 | 86.55 | 70.64 | 64.28 | 70.80 | 20.76 | 10.13 |
| Total Exports | 283.45 | 351.99 | 362.06 | 335.15 | 341.02 | 100.00 | 1.75 |
Source: Sri Lanka Customs
Sri Lanka’s Imports from UAE
- UAE was the 3rd Import partner of Sri Lanka with a share of 6.71 % in 2025.
- As shown in table 3, Fuel and petroleum oil has been the main import item from UAE which has accounted 56.28% of the total imports from UAE in 2025.
Table 4: Sri Lanka’s Major Import Items from UAE (2021 –2025)
Values in US$ Mn.
| HS Code | Description | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Share in 2025 (%) | Change in 2025 over 2024 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 270900 | Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, crude | 456.53 | 111.04 | 833.38 | 774.20 | 808.50 | 56.28 | 4.43 |
| 2710 | Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, other than crude; preparations not elsewhere specified | 222.50 | 239.07 | 257.02 | 155.80 | 227.13 | 15.81 | 45.78 |
| 74 | Copper and articles thereof | 68.96 | 34.95 | 33.61 | 48.91 | 49.19 | 3.42 | 0.57 |
| 2711 | Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons | 2.83 | 0.03 | 0.00 | 12.92 | 43.21 | 3.01 | 234.40 |
| 27101960 | Fuel oil | 201.50 | 252.48 | 168.91 | 76.84 | 39.57 | 2.75 | -48.51 |
| 0305 | Fish, dried, salted or in brine; smoked fish whether or not cooked before or during the smoking process | 36.31 | 22.01 | 22.66 | 47.63 | 38.64 | 2.69 | -18.87 |
| 17019910 | White crystalline cane sugar | 12.60 | 4.67 | 11.10 | 57.78 | 31.56 | 2.20 | -45.37 |
| 39 | Plastics and articles thereof (Except HS 392321) | 36.07 | 26.87 | 23.33 | 27.85 | 28.93 | 2.01 | 3.89 |
| 27111910 | Liquified Petroleum Gas | 35.46 | 14.82 | - | - | 24.38 | 1.70 | #DIV/0! |
| 2523 | Portland cement, aluminous cement, slag cement, supersulphate cement and similar hydraulic cement | 31.84 | 40.23 | 25.01 | 29.48 | 16.74 | 1.17 | -43.22 |
| 9999 | Others | 209.45 | 167.52 | 170.61 | 136.34 | 128.77 | 8.96 | -5.55 |
| Total Imports | 1,314.04 | 913.71 | 1,545.62 | 1,367.74 | 1,436.61 | 100.00 | 5.04 |
Source: Sri Lanka Customs
Tea Market in UAE
- Sri Lanka’s position in UAE market has been deteriorating in recent years.
- There is a significant drop in volume of tea imports by UAE from Sri Lanka in 2018 and 2019 compared to 2017.
- Sri Lanka’s tea exports to UAE accounts for around 9% of the Sri Lanka’s total tea exports to the world in 2024.
- Black tea is the main category of tea exported by Sri Lanka to UAE and it is around 98% of total tea exports to UAE.
Table 05: UAE’s Tea Imports (2012-2023)
Tons
| Year | UAE’s Tea Imports from Sri Lanka | UAE’s Tea Imports from World | Share of Sri Lanka in UAE Tea Imports (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 15,697 | 123,195 | 12.74 |
| 2013 | 18,085 | 85,247 | 21.21 |
| 2014 | 13,201 | 78,371 | 16.84 |
| 2015 | 18,905 | 104,210 | 18.14 |
| 2016 | 13,577 | 79,003 | 17.19 |
| 2017 | 15,368 | 100,206 | 15.34 |
| 2018 | 11,421 | 108,592 | 10.52 |
| 2019 | 8,982 | 73,698 | 12.19 |
| 2020 | 9,317 | 74,419 | 12.52 |
| 2021 | 23,149 | 68,334 | 33.88 |
| 2022 | 22,578 | 88,460 | 25.52 |
| 2023 | 18,458 | 73,427 | 25.14 |
| 2024 | 21,129 | 100,708 | 20.98 |
Source: ITC trade map
- Scope for further expansion of Sri Lanka’s Exports to UAE
Identified potential items which can be further promoted in UAE are as follows;
- Prepared or preserved tuna
- Telephone sets and other voice/image transmission apparatus
- Palm oil and fractions
- Reception apparatus for television
- Footwear
- Cane sugar
- Shrimps and prawns
- Coaxial cables and conductors
- Men’s suits of wool/fine animal hair
- Soap in flakes/granules/powder/paste
- Men’s suits of synthetic fibre
- Flat rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel
- Scarves, veils and similar of silk
- Broken rice
- Electric conductors
- Women’s and Men’s ensembles of synthetic fibre
- Bars and rods of iron or non-ally steel
- Sri Lanka- UAE Joint Committee for Trade and Economic Cooperation
The Sri Lanka- UAE Joint Committee for Trade and Economic Cooperation (JCTEC) was signed in 2014 and its 01st Session was held in Abu Dhabi on 26 & 27 January 2014. Mutually important matters on the Treaty on Mutual Legal assistance in criminal matters, Treaty on Extradition and justice, MOU on the Establishment of Business Council between Sri Lanka and the UAE, Labor Empowerment Agreement and a MOU on Tourism promotion etc, were key matters discussed at the 1st Session.
The 02nd Session of the JC was held in Sri Lanka in 2025. The Session was co-chaired by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment of Sri Lanka, and the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates. During the 02nd Session, both delegations engaged in substantive discussions covering, a wide range of areas of cooperation, including political, economic, financial, transport, sports, health, customs, energy, labour, defence, science and technology, education, culture, agriculture, food, and postal sectors.
- UAE’s Investment in Sri Lanka
- UAE was the 8th in terms of FDI origins to Sri Lanka in 2019.
- There is a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement between the two countries which was signed on 24th September 2003 and came into effect in 2004/2005.
Table 6: UAE’s Investment in Sri Lanka
Value in US$ Mn
| Year | Investment | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 7.11 | - |
| 2006 | 20.04 | 181.92 |
| 2007 | 16.02 | -20.02 |
| 2008 | 9.29 | -42.00 |
| 2009 | 16.82 | 80.94 |
| 2010 | 65.86 | 291.64 |
| 2011 | 52.92 | -19.65 |
| 2012 | 213.59 | 303.64 |
| 2013 | 111.32 | -47.88 |
| 2014 | 31.37 | -71.82 |
| 2015 | 17.64 | -43.78 |
| 2016 | 12.90 | -26.83 |
| 2017 | 18.55 | 43.72 |
| 2018 | 47.66 | 156.97 |
| 2019 | 40.77 | -14.45 |
| 2020 | 16.82 | -58.75 |
| 2021 | 2.25 | -86.62 |
| 2022 | 0.693 | -69.20 |
| 2023 | 2.871 | 314.29 |
| 2024 Q3 | 65.24 | 2,172.38 |
| 2005-2024 | 769.73 |
Source: Board of Investment, Sri Lanka
- Tourism
- Tourist arrivals from UAE to Sri Lanka has been decreasing since 2016.
- UAE was the 46th place among tourist source markets of Sri Lanka in 2025 with the share of 0.239% from the total tourist arrivals.
- In 2023, tourist arrivals from UAE has increased by 118.63% compared to 2022 after the adverse effects associated with the Covid-19 and measures taken to combat the same.
Table 7: Tourist Arrivals from UAE
No. of arrivals
| Year | Tourists Arrivals | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 11,083 | - |
| 2013 | 8,471 | -23.57 |
| 2014 | 9,895 | 16.81 |
| 2015 | 10,576 | 6.88 |
| 2016 | 8,475 | -19.87 |
| 2017 | 7,136 | -15.80 |
| 2018 | 5,785 | -18.93 |
| 2019 | 3,528 | -39.01 |
| 2020 | 352 | -90.02 |
| 2021 | 254 | -27.84 |
| 2022 | 1,347 | 430.31 |
| 2023 | 2,945 | 118.63 |
| 2024 | 4,296 | 45.87 |
| 2025 | 5,656 | 31.66 |
Source: Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority
Department of Commerce
13.05.2026
Additional Bilateral Trade Statistics - UAE
| Year | Rank | Value US. Mn. | % of total export to the world | Growth (Multiples) |
| 1977 | - | - | - | - |
| 2025 | 07 | 341.02 | 2.79 | - |
Source: Sri Lanka Customs
Note: Sri Lanka’s total exports to the world which stood at US$ 743 Mn. in 1977 has reached US$ 13,026.80million in 2025, registering a 18-fold growth.
Additional Bilateral Trade Statistics
Value in US$ Mn.
| Year | Export | Share of total export to the world (%) | Import | Total Trade | Balance of Trade |
| 1995 | 54.62 | 1.44 | 73.41 | 128.03 | -18.79 |
| 2000 | 127.97 | 2.42 | 135.63 | 263.60 | -7.66 |
| 2001 | 145.37 | 3.08 | 151.20 | 296.57 | -5.84 |
| 2002 | 119.41 | 2.53 | 265.93 | 385.34 | -146.53 |
| 2003 | 106.73 | 2.19 | 180.03 | 286.76 | -73.30 |
| 2004 | 117.23 | 2.14 | 196.06 | 313.28 | -78.83 |
| 2005 | 144.80 | 2.35 | 228.40 | 373.20 | -83.61 |
| 2006 | 172.59 | 2.55 | 186.43 | 359.02 | -13.85 |
| 2007 | 209.87 | 2.74 | 370.76 | 580.63 | -160.89 |
| 2008 | 255.49 | 3.12 | 463.62 | 719.11 | -208.14 |
| 2009 | 211.39 | 2.97 | 295.48 | 506.87 | -84.10 |
| 2010 | 246.59 | 2.97 | 335.63 | 582.22 | -89.05 |
| 2011 | 297.00 | 2.97 | 814.86 | 1,111.87 | -517.86 |
| 2012 | 226.20 | 2.41 | 1,293.17 | 1,519.38 | -1,066.97 |
| 2013 | 236.48 | 2.36 | 1,224.38 | 1,460.86 | -987.90 |
| 2014 | 293.57 | 2.60 | 1,755.93 | 2,049.49 | -1,462.36 |
| 2015 | 273.55 | 2.68 | 1,074.30 | 1,347.85 | -800.75 |
| 2016 | 274.87 | 2.69 | 1,067.98 | 1,342.85 | -793.11 |
| 2017 | 274.16 | 2.41 | 1,564.56 | 1,838.72 | -1,290.40 |
| 2018 | 289.55 | 2.44 | 1,705.35 | 1,994.90 | -1,415.80 |
| 2019 | 275.12 | 2.30 | 1,542.18 | 1,817.30 | -1,267.06 |
| 2020 | 188.45 | 1.91 | 887.80 | 1,076,26 | -699.35 |
| 2021 | 283.45 | 2.31 | 1,314.04 | 1,597.49 | -1,030.59 |
| 2022 | 351.99 | 2.76 | 913.71 | 1265.69 | -561.72 |
| 2023 | 362.06 | 3.10 | 1,545.62 | 1,907.68 | -1,183.56 |
| 2024 | 335.15 | 2.79 | 1,367.74 | 1,702.89 | -1,032.59 |
| 2025 | 341.02 | 2.62 | 1,436.61 | 1,777.63 | -1,095.59 |
Source: Sri Lanka Customs / Trade Map
Economic Overview
- The UAE has an open economy with a high per capita income and a sizable annual trade surplus. Successful efforts at economic diversification have reduced the portion of GDP from the oil and gas sector to 30%.
- Since the discovery of oil in the UAE nearly 60 years ago, the country has undergone a profound transformation from an impoverished region of small desert principalities to a modern state with a high standard of living. The government has increased spending on job creation and infrastructure expansion and is opening up utilities to greater private sector involvement. The country's free trade zones - offering 100% foreign ownership and zero taxes - are helping to attract foreign investors.
- The global financial crisis of 2008-09, tight international credit, and deflated asset prices constricted the economy in 2009. UAE authorities tried to blunt the crisis by increasing spending and boosting liquidity in the banking sector. The crisis hit Dubai hardest, as it was heavily exposed to depressed real estate prices. Dubai lacked sufficient cash to meet its debt obligations, prompting global concern about its solvency and ultimately a $20 billion bailout from the UAE Central Bank and Abu Dhabi Government that was refinanced in March 2014.
- The UAE’s dependence on oil is a significant long-term challenge, although the UAE is one of the most diversified countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council. Low oil prices have prompted the UAE to cut expenditures, including on some social programs, but the UAE has sufficient assets in its sovereign investment funds to cover its deficits. The government reduced fuel subsidies in August 2015, and introduced excise taxes (50% on sweetened carbonated beverages and 100% on energy drinks and tobacco) in October 2017. A five-percent value-added tax was introduced in January 2018. The UAE's strategic plan for the next few years focuses on economic diversification, promoting the UAE as a global trade and tourism hub, developing industry, and creating more job opportunities for nationals through improved education and increased private sector employment.
Source: World Fact book - Page last updated: August 02, 2022
UAE’s Regional Trade Agreements
RTAs in force
- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) - Singapore
- Morocco - United Arab Emirates
- Pan-Arab Free Trade Area (PAFTA)
RTAs for which an early announcement has been made
- EFTA - GCC
- Australia - Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
- Japan - Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Economic and Social Indicators - UAE and Sri Lanka
| UAE | Sri Lanka | |
| Official Name | United Arab Emirates | Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka |
| Area | 83,600 sq. km | 65,610 Sq. Km |
| Capital | Abu Dhabi | Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte |
| Population | 10,032,213 (2024 est.) | 21,982,608 (2024 est.) |
| Life Expectancy | 79.9 years (2024 est.) | 76.8 years (2024 est.) |
| Literacy | 98.1% (2021) | 93% (2023 est.) |
| Ethnic Groups | Emirati 11.6%, South Asian 59.4% (includes Indian 38.2%, Bangladeshi 9.5%, Pakistani 9.4%, other 2.3%), Egyptian 10.2%, Filipino 6.1%, other 12.8% (2015 est.) | Sinhalese 74.9%, Sri Lankan Tamil 11.2%, Sri Lankan Moors 9.3%, Indian Tamil 4.1%, Other 0.5% (2012) |
| Religions | Muslim 74.5% (official) (Sunni 63.3%, Shia 6.7%, other 4.4%), Christian 12.9%, Hindu 6.2%, Buddhist 3.2%, agnostic 1.3%, other 1.9% (2020 est.) | Buddhist 70.1%, Hindu 12.6%, Muslim 9.7%, Christian and Roman Catholic 7.6% (2012) |
| GDP | $504.17 billion (2023) Source World Bank | $ 98.96 billion (2024) Source World Bank |
| GDP - Rate | 3.40% (2023) Source World Bank | 5.01 % (2024) Source World Bank |
| GDP - Per Capita | USD 5,2976.81(2023) Source: World Bank | USD 4,515.57 (2024) Source World Bank |
| GDP Composition by Sector | Agriculture: 0.8% (2022 est.) | Agriculture: 8.3% (2023 est.) |
| Industry: 51.5% (2022 est.) | Industry: 25.6% (2023 est.) | |
| Services: 47.7% (2022 est.) | Services: 59.9% (2023 est.) | |
| Labor Force | 6.668 million (2023 est.) | 8.707 million (2023 est.) |
| Labor Force - By Occupation | Agriculture: 7% | Agriculture: 27.3% (2021 Provisional) |
| Industry: 15% | Industry: 26.0% (2021 Provisional) | |
| Services: 78% (2000 est.) | Services: 46.7% (2021 Provisional) | |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.71% (2023 est.) | 6.36% (2023 est.) |
| Inflation Rate | 4.83% (2022 est.) | 16.54% (2023 est.) |
| Agriculture Products | Dates, cucumbers/gherkins, camel milk, goat milk, tomatoes, chicken, goat meat, eggs, milk, camel meat (2023) | Rice, coconuts, plantains, tea, sugarcane, milk, cassava, fiber crops, maize, chicken (2022) |
| Industries | petroleum and petrochemicals; fishing, aluminum, cement, fertilizer, commercial ship repair, construction materials, handicrafts, textiles | Processing of rubber, tea, coconuts, tobacco and other agricultural commodities; tourism; clothing and textiles; mining |
| Export – Merchandise | $ 216.62 billion (2020 est.) | $ 12.77 billion (2024) Source World Bank |
| Export – Merchandise & Services | $ 335.24 billion (2020 est.) | $ 19.68 billion (2024) Source World Bank |
| Exports Commodities | Crude petroleum, refined petroleum, gold, broadcasting equipment, natural gas (2023) | Garments, tea, precious stones, used rubber tires, rubber products (2023) |
| Exports Partners | China 11%, India 11%, Japan 10%, Iraq 6%, Thailand 4% (2023) | USA 22%, India 7%, Germany 7%, UK 7%, Italy 5% (2023) |
| Imports | $481.852 billion (2023 est.) | $18.823 billion (2023 est.) |
| Imports Commodities | Gold, broadcasting equipment, cars, refined petroleum, diamonds (2023) | Refined petroleum, fabric, crude petroleum, packaged medicine, cotton fabric (2023) |
| Import Partners | China 19%, India 7%, USA 6%, Turkey 4%, Japan 4% (2023) | India 21%, China 19%, UAE 10%, Singapore 5%, Malaysia 4% (2023) |
Source: The World Fact book / Central Bank of Sri Lanka/Sri Lanka Customs
Dubai Expo 2020
Expo 2020 is a world fair, currently hosted by Dubai in the United Arab Emirates from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022 which was originally scheduled for 20 October 2020 to 10 April 2021 and postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Sri Lanka pavilion at EXPO Dubai is organized by the Sri Lanka Tourism in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Embassy and the Consulate General office in Dubai.
The Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates and the Deputy Commissioner General of Sri Lanka to Expo Mr. Nalinda Wijerathna and the Chief International Participant Officer of EXPO 2020 Mr. Omar Shehadeh jointly declared opened the Sri Lanka pavilion at EXPO 2020 on 01st October 2021 at Dubai EXPO premises.
Located in the “Opportunity” district of EXPO 2020, the pavilion mainly focusing on showcasing the unique diversity of the country to the world in a touristic perspective. At the same time the country’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, products that Sri Lanka offers to the world including gem & jewelry, Ceylon Tea, arts & crafts as well as trade and investment opportunities are also promoted during the exposition period of six months. Parallel to the EXPO participation, Sri Lanka has also planned a number of promotional events in the UAE to promote bilateral cultural relations, Ceylon Tea, Foreign Direct Investments and trade.