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Merchandise trade deficit widens in September 2023

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Merchandise trade deficit widened in September 2023 due to the combined impact of relatively low export earnings and high import expenditure, compared to September 2022. The cumulative trade deficit during January to September 2023 continued to remain significantly low.

• Workers’ remittances and earnings from tourism recorded significant improvements in September 2023, compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.

• Tourist arrivals recorded over one million during the nine months of ending September 2023.

• Foreign investments in the government securities market recorded a lower net outflow during September 2023, compared to the previous months.

• Gross Official Reserves amounted to US dollars 3.5 billion by end September 2023.

• The Sri Lanka rupee exhibited some volatility against the US dollar during the month of September 2023.

Merchandise Trade Balance

The deficit in the merchandise trade account widened to US dollars 378 million in September 2023, compared to the deficit of US dollars 205 million recorded in September 2022. Meanwhile, the cumulative deficit in the trade account during January to September 2023 narrowed to US dollars 3,342 million from US dollars 4,093 million recorded over the same period in 2022. The major contributory factors for this change in the trade balance are shown in Figure 1.

Performance of Merchandise Exports

Overall Exports: Earnings from merchandise exports declined by 10 per cent to US dollars 972 million in September 2023, over the corresponding month in 2022 as well as compared to US dollars 1,119 million recorded in August 2023. Despite the increase in agricultural exports, the decline in earnings from industrial exports associated with slowing external demand, including garments, mainly contributed to this contraction in export earnings in September 2023, compared to a year earlier. Cumulative export earnings also declined by 10.1 per cent during January to September 2023 to US dollars 8,982 million, over the same period in the last year.

Industrial Exports: Earnings from the exports of industrial goods declined in September 2023, with a significant share of the decline being contributed by garments. Accordingly, exports of garments to most of the major markets (the USA, the EU, and the UK) recorded declines. Further, declines were recorded in the export of gems, diamonds and jewellery; machinery and mechanical appliances (mainly, electronic equipment); and chemical products (mainly, activated carbon), among others.



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Business

HNB Assurance climbs 13 places on LMD 100 rankings

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Lasitha Wimalaratne – CEO, HNB Assurance

HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) made a significant ascent in the latest LMD 100 rankings climbing 13 places to reach rank 64, cementing its position as one of Sri Lanka’s leading listed companies. Throughout the past few years, HNB Assurance has grown stronger, smarter and more united in its purpose, turning challenges into opportunities and refining every aspect of its operations.

The LMD 100 is a prestigious annual ranking that evaluates the financial and strategic performance of publicly listed companies in Sri Lanka. HNB Assurance has consistently climbed the ranks year after year in recent years, reflecting the company’s sustained growth. With 2025 underway, HNB Assurance is planning to leverage its strengths and growth momentum maintained over the past couple of years, as this year represents the penultimate step in its ambitious journey toward achieving the vision of “10% market share by 2026”, a transformative goal that aims to redefine, elevate and position the company as a trailblazer in the industry.

Sharing his thoughts on the company’s new ranking, Lasitha Wimalarathne, Chief Executive Officer of HNB Assurance PLC, stated, “Our upward trajectory in the LMD 100 rankings reflects the collective efforts of our incredible team, the trust our customers have placed in us and our ability to adapt to the dynamic business landscape. At HNB Assurance, we remain committed to strengthening our core business, embracing innovation and delivering sustainable value to all our stakeholders.”

“As we step into 2025, it is inspiring to reflect on our journey so far. By the end of Q3 2024, we achieved growth that was well above the industry average, a remarkable feat we’ve consistently maintained since 2022. This success has been driven by the exceptional efforts of our sales force both from the Advisor Distribution and Partnerships channels, alongside the support of all our teams. I must also add that our vision for ‘10 in 2026’ is not merely a corporate milestone, it embodies our broader aspiration to transform lives, uplift communities and set new benchmarks in the industry. As the countdown to this goal continues, we will maintain our growth, while continuing to stive and create a lasting impact on the lives of our policyholders.” added, Wimalaratne.

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Sri Lanka Insurance further Expand its presence to Naiwala

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Sri Lanka Insurance further expands its presence in the Upper Western region with the opens its Naiwala Agency Business Development Center (ABDC) on the 12th of December at No.90/6/C, Airport Road, Naiwala junction, Veyangoda.

The occasion was graced by SLIC Life Chief Business Officer Namalee A. Silva, Deputy General Manager – National Sales (Life) Jagath Welgama, Upper Western regional management, Branch Management of Veyangoda representing Life and General categories. Distinguished invitees and customers of the area were also in attendance at the event.

Agency Business Development Centers (ABDC) allows SLIC to further enhance its reach, which provides convenience and speed of service delivery to its loyal customers in relation with their protection needs.

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CEAT Kelani Launches high-performance tractor tyre for Maha season

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CEAT Kelani Holdings has introduced a new high-performance tractor tyre, the 13.6 – 28 PUDDLE XL TT 12PR, just in time for the harvest phase of the Maha cultivation season. Designed specifically for agricultural use, this innovative cross-ply tyre promises to enhance farming efficiency and tractor operations.

Compatible with leading tractor brands such as Sonalika, TAFE, John Deere, and Mahindra, the tyre features advanced design elements tailored for puddling operations. Its higher non-skid depth (NSD) ensures superior traction in wet and muddy conditions, while wide and angular lugs improve stability and grip. The tyre’s deep and open shoulders allow for effective self-cleaning, and reinforced carcass construction extends its lifespan, offering excellent value for farmers.

This is the sixth tractor tyre variant developed and manufactured locally by CEAT Kelani Holdings, showcasing the company’s dedication to the agriculture sector.

CEAT Kelani Chief Operating Officer Shamal Gunawardene noted that the tyre addresses the unique challenges faced during the harvest period. “It ensures improved performance, durability, and reliability, empowering farmers and operators to achieve better productivity,” he said.

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