Trade lane

What Sri Lanka buys from China.

Sri Lanka imported USD 4.2bn of manufactured and processed goods from China in 2024, up 16 per cent on 2022. That is 35 per cent of everything Sri Lanka imported in these lines, and China is its largest source. Below: the 50 largest lines, the fastest growing, where China dominates, and where another country ships the same line for less a tonne.

Trade year 2024, compared with 2022. Unit values are customs values per tonne, declared at the border, not product prices.

USD 4.2bnfrom China in 2024 (USD 3.6bn in 2022)
35 per centof Sri Lanka's imports in these lines, USD 12bn from every source
610product lines worth USD 1m or more on this lane
#1China's rank among Sri Lanka's sources
The top 50

The largest lines on the lane, by 2024 value.

Each line shows what Sri Lanka paid China for it at the border, China's share of everything Sri Lanka imported in that line, how it changed since 2022, and the customs unit value per tonne where the weight is recorded. Together they are 43 per cent of the lane.

  1. 1

    Cranes: overhead travelling cranes on fixed supportHS 842611

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports99 per cent, 7 source countries
    Changefrom USD 333k in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 8,924 a tonne, 15,215 tonnes
    USD 136min 2024
  2. 2

    Telephone sets: smartphones for cellular or other wireless networksHS 851713

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports93 per cent, 48 source countries
    Changefrom USD 10m in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 848,112 a tonne, 142 tonnes
    USD 120min 2024
  3. 3

    Steel, alloy: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7225, plated or coated with zinc (other than electrolytically)HS 722592

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports100 per cent, 3 source countries
    Changefrom USD 8m in 2022
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 96min 2024
  4. 4

    Cranes: transporter, gantry and bridge cranesHS 842619

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports99 per cent, 8 source countries
    Changeup 369 per cent on 2022 (USD 20m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 8,552 a tonne, 11,153 tonnes
    USD 95min 2024
  5. 5

    Fabrics: knitted or crocheted fabrics of a width exceeding 30 cm, other than those of heading 60.01, containing by weight 5% or more of elastomeric yarn but not...HS 600410

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports28 per cent, 42 source countries
    Changedown 35 per cent on 2022 (USD 132m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 9,763 a tonne, 8,802 tonnes
    USD 86min 2024
  6. 6

    Fabrics, woven: containing 85% or more by weight of textured polyester filaments, dyedHS 540752

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports85 per cent, 25 source countries
    Changeup 17 per cent on 2022 (USD 66m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 11,112 a tonne, 6,988 tonnes
    USD 78min 2024
  7. 7

    Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys: dolls' carriages: dolls: other toys: reduced-size (scale) models and similar recreational models, working or...HS 950300

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports99 per cent, 45 source countries
    Changedown 3 per cent on 2022 (USD 78m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 15,270 a tonne, 4,968 tonnes
    USD 76min 2024
  8. 8

    Fabrics, woven: of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres, other than unbleached or bleachedHS 551219

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports76 per cent, 40 source countries
    Changefrom USD 5m in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 4,680 a tonne, 16,008 tonnes
    USD 75min 2024
  9. 9

    Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations): machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other...HS 851762

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports77 per cent, 51 source countries
    Changeup 207 per cent on 2022 (USD 22m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 364,489 a tonne, 182 tonnes
    USD 66min 2024
  10. 10

    Electrical static convertersHS 850440

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports81 per cent, 68 source countries
    Changeup 114 per cent on 2022 (USD 30m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 66,484 a tonne, 973 tonnes
    USD 65min 2024
  11. 11

    Automatic data processing machines: portable, weighing not more than 10kg, consisting of at least a central processing unit, a keyboard and a displayHS 847130

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports78 per cent, 50 source countries
    Changeup 195 per cent on 2022 (USD 18m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 305,606 a tonne, 169 tonnes
    USD 52min 2024
  12. 12

    Fabrics: knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of synthetic fibres, dyedHS 600632

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports41 per cent, 39 source countries
    Changedown 7 per cent on 2022 (USD 51m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 5,498 a tonne, 8,713 tonnes
    USD 48min 2024
  13. 13

    Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, painted, varnished or coated with plasticsHS 721070

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports69 per cent, 12 source countries
    Changeup 15 per cent on 2022 (USD 41m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 731 a tonne, 64,674 tonnes
    USD 47min 2024
  14. 14

    Reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus: incorporating a colour...HS 852872

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports69 per cent, 30 source countries
    Changeup 449 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 25,823 a tonne, 1,388 tonnes
    USD 36min 2024
  15. 15

    Iron or non-alloy steel: semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel: containing by weight less than 0.25% of carbon, of rectangular (including square)...HS 720711

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports21 per cent, 7 source countries
    Changenew since 2022
    Unit valueUSD 521 a tonne, 60,514 tonnes
    USD 32min 2024
  16. 16

    Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308HS 730890

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports77 per cent, 40 source countries
    Changeup 97 per cent on 2022 (USD 15m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,041 a tonne, 14,744 tonnes
    USD 30min 2024
  17. 17

    Fabrics, woven: plain weave, of polyester staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, of a weight not...HS 551311

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports91 per cent, 14 source countries
    Changeup 258 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 8,320 a tonne, 3,533 tonnes
    USD 29min 2024
  18. 18

    Aluminium: plates, sheets and strip, thickness exceeding 0.2mm, alloys, (not rectangular or square)HS 760692

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports73 per cent, 16 source countries
    Changenew since 2022
    Unit valueUSD 3,355 a tonne, 7,687 tonnes
    USD 26min 2024
  19. 19

    Plastics: other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39HS 392690

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports52 per cent, 84 source countries
    Changedown 19 per cent on 2022 (USD 30m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 3,945 a tonne, 6,256 tonnes
    USD 25min 2024
  20. 20

    Air conditioning machines: comprising a motor-driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity, of a kind designed to be fixed to a window, wall...HS 841510

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports48 per cent, 17 source countries
    Changeup 381 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 10,587 a tonne, 2,317 tonnes
    USD 25min 2024
  21. 21

    Lace: mechanically made, of man-made fibres in the piece, in strips or in motifs, (other than fabrics of headings 60.02 to 60.06)HS 580421

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports65 per cent, 20 source countries
    Changeup 29 per cent on 2022 (USD 18m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 27,847 a tonne, 856 tonnes
    USD 24min 2024
  22. 22

    Fabrics, woven: containing less than 85% by weight of cotton, mixed mainly or solely with man-made fibres, weighing more than 200g/m2, of yarns of different colours...HS 521142

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports57 per cent, 14 source countries
    Changedown 37 per cent on 2022 (USD 38m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 4,862 a tonne, 4,890 tonnes
    USD 24min 2024
  23. 23

    Yarn, synthetic: filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), textured, of polyesters, not for retail sale, not sewing threadHS 540233

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports60 per cent, 25 source countries
    Changeup 30 per cent on 2022 (USD 17m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,200 a tonne, 10,270 tonnes
    USD 23min 2024
  24. 24

    Luminaires and light fittings: electric, designed for use solely with light-emitting diode (LED) light sourcesHS 940542

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports94 per cent, 33 source countries
    Changeup 87 per cent on 2022 (USD 12m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 26,970 a tonne, 832 tonnes
    USD 22min 2024
  25. 25

    Fabrics, woven: containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, of weaves n.e.c. in item no. 5209.3, weighing more than 200g/m2HS 520939

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports23 per cent, 25 source countries
    Changeup 54 per cent on 2022 (USD 15m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 8,982 a tonne, 2,492 tonnes
    USD 22min 2024
  26. 26

    Electrical apparatus: photosensitive semiconductor devices, photovoltaic cells assembled in modules or made up into panelsHS 854143

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports93 per cent, 13 source countries
    Changedown 27 per cent on 2022 (USD 30m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,826 a tonne, 7,733 tonnes
    USD 22min 2024
  27. 27

    Fabrics: narrow (excluding pile fabrics), containing by weight 5% or more of elastomeric yarn or rubber threadHS 580620

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports22 per cent, 48 source countries
    Changeup 36 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 16,417 a tonne, 1,308 tonnes
    USD 21min 2024
  28. 28

    Tanks, casks, drums, boxes and similar containers for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas) less than 50l capacity, n.e.c. in item no. 7310.2, of iron or...HS 731029

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports90 per cent, 27 source countries
    Changeup 417 per cent on 2022 (USD 4m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 3,103 a tonne, 6,797 tonnes
    USD 21min 2024
  29. 29

    Iron or steel: articles n.e.c. in heading 7326HS 732690

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports53 per cent, 68 source countries
    Changeup 24 per cent on 2022 (USD 17m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,327 a tonne, 8,853 tonnes
    USD 21min 2024
  30. 30

    Fabrics: knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of cotton, dyedHS 600622

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports15 per cent, 29 source countries
    Changedown 52 per cent on 2022 (USD 43m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 5,544 a tonne, 3,706 tonnes
    USD 21min 2024
  31. 31

    Yarn, synthetic: filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), other than high tenacity or textured yarn, single, untwisted or twisted 50 turns or less per metre...HS 540249

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports77 per cent, 15 source countries
    Changeup 28 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 10,647 a tonne, 1,911 tonnes
    USD 20min 2024
  32. 32

    Tableware and kitchenware: of porcelain or chinaHS 691110

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports99 per cent, 30 source countries
    Changeup 102 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 20min 2024
  33. 33

    Vitamins: vitamin E and its derivatives, unmixedHS 293628

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports92 per cent, 12 source countries
    Changeup 96 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 9,150 a tonne, 2,159 tonnes
    USD 20min 2024
  34. 34

    Vinyl chloride, other halogenated olefin polymers: poly(vinyl chloride), not mixed with any other substances, in primary formsHS 390410

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports56 per cent, 22 source countries
    Changeup 30 per cent on 2022 (USD 14m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 823 a tonne, 22,001 tonnes
    USD 18min 2024
  35. 35

    Fans: table, floor, wall, window, ceiling or roof fans, with a self-contained electric motor of an output not exceeding 125WHS 841451

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports62 per cent, 24 source countries
    Changeup 140 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 17,761 a tonne, 1,009 tonnes
    USD 18min 2024
  36. 36

    Yarn, synthetic: filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), textured, of nylon or other polyamides, measuring per single yarn not more than 50 decitex, not for...HS 540231

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports47 per cent, 30 source countries
    Changeup 8 per cent on 2022 (USD 17m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 4,646 a tonne, 3,850 tonnes
    USD 18min 2024
  37. 37

    Machinery: industrial, for sugar manufactureHS 843830

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports100 per cent, 4 source countries
    Changenew since 2022
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 18min 2024
  38. 38

    Brassieres: whether or not knitted or crochetedHS 621210

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports78 per cent, 38 source countries
    Changedown 7 per cent on 2022 (USD 18m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 53,214 a tonne, 321 tonnes
    USD 17min 2024
  39. 39

    Combine harvester-threshersHS 843351

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports78 per cent, 5 source countries
    Changefrom USD 573k in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 11,185 a tonne, 1,459 tonnes
    USD 16min 2024
  40. 40

    Fabrics, woven: containing 85% or more by weight of textured polyester filaments, printedHS 540754

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports79 per cent, 21 source countries
    Changedown 44 per cent on 2022 (USD 29m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 3,228 a tonne, 5,053 tonnes
    USD 16min 2024
  41. 41

    Textile fabrics: impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with polyurethaneHS 590320

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports73 per cent, 23 source countries
    Changedown 14 per cent on 2022 (USD 17m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 16,413 a tonne, 902 tonnes
    USD 15min 2024
  42. 42

    Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on buses or lorriesHS 401120

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports58 per cent, 21 source countries
    Changeup 154 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 4,173 a tonne, 3,492 tonnes
    USD 15min 2024
  43. 43

    Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances: for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like, including thermostatically controlled valvesHS 848180

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports46 per cent, 65 source countries
    Changedown 4 per cent on 2022 (USD 15m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 14min 2024
  44. 44

    Fabrics, woven: printed, containing 85% or more by weight of artificial staple fibresHS 551614

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports72 per cent, 13 source countries
    Changedown 44 per cent on 2022 (USD 25m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 4,119 a tonne, 3,344 tonnes
    USD 14min 2024
  45. 45

    Silk: woven fabrics, containing 85% or more by weight of silk or of silk waste other than noil silkHS 500720

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports94 per cent, 10 source countries
    Changedown 61 per cent on 2022 (USD 35m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 14min 2024
  46. 46

    Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: nitrogenous, ammonium sulphateHS 310221

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports99 per cent, 8 source countries
    Changedown 43 per cent on 2022 (USD 24m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 14min 2024
  47. 47

    Paper and paperboard: coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanically processed fibres, (excluding light-weight paper), for...HS 481029

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports64 per cent, 18 source countries
    Changeup 129 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 728 a tonne, 18,630 tonnes
    USD 14min 2024
  48. 48

    Furniture: metal, other than for office useHS 940320

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports90 per cent, 37 source countries
    Changeup 99 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 8,113 a tonne, 1,657 tonnes
    USD 13min 2024
  49. 49

    Sewing machines: not household or automatic unit typeHS 845229

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports57 per cent, 25 source countries
    Changeup 207 per cent on 2022 (USD 4m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 21,134 a tonne, 631 tonnes
    USD 13min 2024
  50. 50

    Automatic data processing machines: comprising in the same housing at least a central processing unit and an input and output unit, whether or not combined, n.e.c. in...HS 847141

    Share of Sri Lanka's imports77 per cent, 29 source countries
    Changefrom USD 1m in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 163,052 a tonne, 78 tonnes
    USD 13min 2024
Fastest growing

The lines that grew most since 2022.

Lines worth at least USD 5m in 2022, ranked by growth to 2024 in current dollars. A fast rise can be a new product, a shift away from another source, or a price change; the record does not say which.

  1. Steel, alloy: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7225, plated or coated with zinc (other than electrolytically)HS 722592USD 96m in 2024, from USD 8m in 2022. China supplies 100 per cent of the line.
  2. Telephone sets: smartphones for cellular or other wireless networksHS 851713USD 120m in 2024, from USD 10m in 2022. China supplies 93 per cent of the line.
  3. Reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus: incorporating a colour...HS 852872USD 36m in 2024, up 449 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022). China supplies 69 per cent of the line.
  4. Air conditioning machines: comprising a motor-driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity, of a kind designed to be fixed to a window, wall...HS 841510USD 25m in 2024, up 381 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). China supplies 48 per cent of the line.
  5. Cranes: transporter, gantry and bridge cranesHS 842619USD 95m in 2024, up 369 per cent on 2022 (USD 20m in 2022). China supplies 99 per cent of the line.
  6. Fabrics, woven: plain weave, of polyester staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, of a weight not...HS 551311USD 29m in 2024, up 258 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022). China supplies 91 per cent of the line.
  7. Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations): machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other...HS 851762USD 66m in 2024, up 207 per cent on 2022 (USD 22m in 2022). China supplies 77 per cent of the line.
  8. Automatic data processing machines: portable, weighing not more than 10kg, consisting of at least a central processing unit, a keyboard and a displayHS 847130USD 52m in 2024, up 195 per cent on 2022 (USD 18m in 2022). China supplies 78 per cent of the line.
  9. Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on buses or lorriesHS 401120USD 15m in 2024, up 154 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). China supplies 58 per cent of the line.
  10. Fans: table, floor, wall, window, ceiling or roof fans, with a self-contained electric motor of an output not exceeding 125WHS 841451USD 18m in 2024, up 140 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022). China supplies 62 per cent of the line.
  11. Paper and paperboard: coated with kaolin or other inorganic substances only, having more than 10% of mechanically processed fibres, (excluding light-weight paper), for...HS 481029USD 14m in 2024, up 129 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). China supplies 64 per cent of the line.
  12. Electrical static convertersHS 850440USD 65m in 2024, up 114 per cent on 2022 (USD 30m in 2022). China supplies 81 per cent of the line.
  13. Fabrics: warp knit (including those made on galloon knitting machines), other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of synthetic fibres, dyedHS 600537USD 12m in 2024, up 112 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). China supplies 67 per cent of the line.
  14. Tableware and kitchenware: of porcelain or chinaHS 691110USD 20m in 2024, up 102 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022). China supplies 99 per cent of the line.
  15. Furniture: metal, other than for office useHS 940320USD 13m in 2024, up 99 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022). China supplies 90 per cent of the line.
  16. Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308HS 730890USD 30m in 2024, up 97 per cent on 2022 (USD 15m in 2022). China supplies 77 per cent of the line.
  17. Vitamins: vitamin E and its derivatives, unmixedHS 293628USD 20m in 2024, up 96 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022). China supplies 92 per cent of the line.
  18. Luminaires and light fittings: electric, designed for use solely with light-emitting diode (LED) light sourcesHS 940542USD 22m in 2024, up 87 per cent on 2022 (USD 12m in 2022). China supplies 94 per cent of the line.
  19. Yarn: (not sewing thread), multiple (folded) or cabled yarn, of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester, not put up for retail saleHS 550922USD 10m in 2024, up 76 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). China supplies 86 per cent of the line.
  20. Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases: for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a...HS 853710USD 10m in 2024, up 59 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). China supplies 33 per cent of the line.
Where China dominates

Lines where China supplies 60 per cent or more.

The largest lines worth USD 1m or more where China ships at least 60 per cent of what Sri Lanka imports. This is supply concentration: how much of the line depends on one source country.

  1. Cranes: overhead travelling cranes on fixed supportHS 84261199 per cent of Sri Lanka's imports of the line, USD 136m; 7 source countries in all.
  2. Telephone sets: smartphones for cellular or other wireless networksHS 85171393 per cent of Sri Lanka's imports of the line, USD 120m; 48 source countries in all.
  3. Steel, alloy: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7225, plated or coated with zinc (other than electrolytically)HS 722592100 per cent of Sri Lanka's imports of the line, USD 96m; 3 source countries in all.
  4. Cranes: transporter, gantry and bridge cranesHS 84261999 per cent of Sri Lanka's imports of the line, USD 95m; 8 source countries in all.
  5. Fabrics, woven: containing 85% or more by weight of textured polyester filaments, dyedHS 54075285 per cent of Sri Lanka's imports of the line, USD 78m; 25 source countries in all.
  6. Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys: dolls' carriages: dolls: other toys: reduced-size (scale) models and similar recreational models, working or...HS 95030099 per cent of Sri Lanka's imports of the line, USD 76m; 45 source countries in all.
  7. Fabrics, woven: of synthetic staple fibres, containing 85% or more by weight of polyester staple fibres, other than unbleached or bleachedHS 55121976 per cent of Sri Lanka's imports of the line, USD 75m; 40 source countries in all.
  8. Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations): machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other...HS 85176277 per cent of Sri Lanka's imports of the line, USD 66m; 51 source countries in all.
  9. Electrical static convertersHS 85044081 per cent of Sri Lanka's imports of the line, USD 65m; 68 source countries in all.
  10. Automatic data processing machines: portable, weighing not more than 10kg, consisting of at least a central processing unit, a keyboard and a displayHS 84713078 per cent of Sri Lanka's imports of the line, USD 52m; 50 source countries in all.
  11. Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, painted, varnished or coated with plasticsHS 72107069 per cent of Sri Lanka's imports of the line, USD 47m; 12 source countries in all.
  12. Reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus: incorporating a colour...HS 85287269 per cent of Sri Lanka's imports of the line, USD 36m; 30 source countries in all.
  13. Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308HS 73089077 per cent of Sri Lanka's imports of the line, USD 30m; 40 source countries in all.
  14. Fabrics, woven: plain weave, of polyester staple fibres, containing less than 85% by weight of such fibres, mixed mainly or solely with cotton, of a weight not...HS 55131191 per cent of Sri Lanka's imports of the line, USD 29m; 14 source countries in all.
  15. Aluminium: plates, sheets and strip, thickness exceeding 0.2mm, alloys, (not rectangular or square)HS 76069273 per cent of Sri Lanka's imports of the line, USD 26m; 16 source countries in all.
  16. Lace: mechanically made, of man-made fibres in the piece, in strips or in motifs, (other than fabrics of headings 60.02 to 60.06)HS 58042165 per cent of Sri Lanka's imports of the line, USD 24m; 20 source countries in all.
  17. Luminaires and light fittings: electric, designed for use solely with light-emitting diode (LED) light sourcesHS 94054294 per cent of Sri Lanka's imports of the line, USD 22m; 33 source countries in all.
  18. Electrical apparatus: photosensitive semiconductor devices, photovoltaic cells assembled in modules or made up into panelsHS 85414393 per cent of Sri Lanka's imports of the line, USD 22m; 13 source countries in all.
  19. Tanks, casks, drums, boxes and similar containers for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas) less than 50l capacity, n.e.c. in item no. 7310.2, of iron or...HS 73102990 per cent of Sri Lanka's imports of the line, USD 21m; 27 source countries in all.
  20. Yarn, synthetic: filament, monofilament (less than 67 decitex), other than high tenacity or textured yarn, single, untwisted or twisted 50 turns or less per metre...HS 54024977 per cent of Sri Lanka's imports of the line, USD 20m; 15 source countries in all.
Another source, lower unit value

Where another country ships the same line for at least 20 per cent less a tonne.

Lines worth USD 5m or more where China's unit value is recorded and another country also ships at least USD 5m of the same line to Sri Lanka at a unit value at least 20 per cent lower. The largest such source is named. The same heading can hold different grades, so a lower figure is a question to ask, not a like-for-like price.

  1. Fabrics: knitted or crocheted fabrics of a width exceeding 30 cm, other than those of heading 60.01, containing by weight 5% or more of elastomeric yarn but not...HS 600410China: USD 86m at USD 9,763 a tonne. India: USD 80m (27 per cent of the line) at USD 6,566 a tonne, 33 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 16,729 a tonne.
  2. Fabrics, woven: containing 85% or more by weight of textured polyester filaments, dyedHS 540752China: USD 78m at USD 11,112 a tonne. India: USD 6m (6 per cent of the line) at USD 6,641 a tonne, 40 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 13,007 a tonne.
  3. Fabrics: narrow (excluding pile fabrics), containing by weight 5% or more of elastomeric yarn or rubber threadHS 580620China: USD 21m at USD 16,417 a tonne. India: USD 21m (22 per cent of the line) at USD 12,038 a tonne, 27 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 18,677 a tonne.
  4. Fabrics, woven: containing 85% or more by weight of filaments of nylon or other polyamides, dyedHS 540742China: USD 11m at USD 32,397 a tonne. Taiwan: USD 7m (32 per cent of the line) at USD 22,840 a tonne, 30 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 36,919 a tonne.
  5. Finishing agents and dye carriers: to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in the textile industry (excluding those with a...HS 380991China: USD 7m at USD 3,190 a tonne. India: USD 7m (24 per cent of the line) at USD 1,883 a tonne, 41 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 3,190 a tonne.
  6. Plastics: of polymers of propylene, plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly...HS 392020China: USD 6m at USD 2,481 a tonne. Indonesia: USD 5m (24 per cent of the line) at USD 1,848 a tonne, 26 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 2,089 a tonne.
The other side of the lane

What Sri Lanka buys from everyone, and what it is placed to make.

What this record says

What crossed the border, what it was worth, and what it weighed.

Every figure on this page is from CEPII's BACI file, which reconciles what each pair of countries reports to the UN about the same shipment. Trade year 2024, compared with 2022. A line is one six-digit customs heading (HS 2022). Values are in US dollars at the border; growth is in current dollars, so part of any change is price, not volume.

Unit value. Unit values are customs values per tonne, declared at the border, not product prices. It is the value of a line divided by its declared weight, so it mixes grades, models and qualities under one heading. It is shown only where the weight is recorded, at least three source countries of USD 100k or more ship the line to Sri Lanka with a weight, and the figure sits within a factor of five of the middle of those sources. Outside that band it is treated as a recording problem and left out.

Share is China's part of everything Sri Lanka imported in that line, from every source. Sources counts the countries that shipped any of it.

Scope. Manufactured and processed goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, without ores, fuels, precious metals, scrap, raw farm output and one-off capital and defence purchases: the same rule as the Made here pages.

What it does not say

A record of trade, not a shopping list.

What this record does not say: what sells at retail, what margin a trade leaves, how crowded the marketplaces are, or how much of a flow is re-exported through entrepots such as Hong Kong and Singapore.

A large line is not proof of an opening, and a lower unit value from another country is not proof the goods are the same. Tariffs, standards, freight, payment terms, lead times and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. Nothing on this page is a forecast, a recommendation or a promise. No supplier company is named, because the record holds none.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601. Edition of 2026-11-03.

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