Gems & Jewellery Exports Boom: 46% Rise in Sri Lanka December 2025 Explained
Sri Lanka's gems and jewellery sector just delivered a blockbuster performance, with exports surging 46% in December 2025 alone. This boom is lighting up opportunities for local businesses, investors,...
Sri Lanka's gems and jewellery sector just delivered a blockbuster performance, with exports surging 46% in December 2025 alone. This boom is lighting up opportunities for local businesses, investors, and anyone eyeing a piece of our island's glittering export success story.
Why the Gems & Jewellery Exports Exploded in December 2025
December 2025 marked a turning point for Sri Lanka's gems exports and jewellery export 2025 figures. Provisional data from Sri Lanka Customs, including estimates for gems, jewellery, and petroleum, shows merchandise exports hit US$1,166.60 million – a solid 5.88% year-on-year rise.[3][5] But the real star was gems and jewellery, which rocketed 46% compared to December 2024, fuelling the overall export momentum.[1][3]
This isn't just numbers on a page; it's our gem cutters in Ratnapura, polishers in Colombo, and exporters in the Western Province turning raw sapphires and rubies into global treasures. The Export Development Board (EDB) notes total exports for December, including services, reached US$1.49 billion, up 3.95% from the previous year.[1][3] For the full year 2025, Sri Lanka's exports topped US$17.25 billion, smashing targets with 5.6% growth.[1][2][3]
Key Drivers Behind the 46% Surge
- Global Demand Recovery: Post-pandemic, buyers in the US, Europe, and India snapped up Sri Lankan sapphires and moonstones. Our gems' reputation for quality – think vivid blues from alluvial deposits – drew premium prices.
- Estimated Figures Boost: EDB's inclusion of gems and jewellery estimates in Customs data revealed the true scale, often underreported in raw stats.[1][3]
- Policy Wins: Initiatives like the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2025-2029, launched with Asian Development Bank support, streamlined certifications and market access.[2]
- Domestic Resilience: Despite challenges, local miners and manufacturers maintained supply chains, with Ratnapura's gem fields yielding high-quality stones.
Sri Lanka's Gems & Jewellery Sector: A Quick Overview
We've long been gem kings – home to the world's oldest sapphire mines in Ratnapura and alluvial riches in Elahera. In 2025, gems and jewellery carved out a bigger slice of the US$13.58 billion merchandise exports pie, up 6.32% year-on-year.[3] Trading Economics confirms exports hit US$1,158 million in December, building on monthly gains.[4]
From January to November, the sector contributed to 5.8% overall growth, pushing totals to US$15.78 billion.[2] Services like ICT complemented this, but gems shone brightest in Q4, aligning with festive buying seasons abroad.
Year-Round Momentum Leading to December's Peak
| Period | Total Exports (US$ Mn) | YoY Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Jan-Nov 2025 | 15,776.36 | 5.8% |
| Jan-Sep 2025 | 12,986.52 | 7% |
| Full Year 2025 | 17,252.15 | 5.6% |
| Dec 2025 (Merchandise) | 1,166.60 | 5.88% |
What This Boom Means for Local Businesses and Investors
For jewellery shops in Pettah or manufacturers in Katunayake, this 46% jump signals prime time to scale up. EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe highlighted we hit 94.79% of 2025 targets, thanks to resilient production.[3] Investors, take note: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's Export Development Council aims for US$36 billion by 2030.[2]
Practical Tips for Entering the Gems Trade
- Get Certified: Register with the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) for export licences. Their Ratnapura office offers free valuation services – essential for customs clearance under the Customs Ordinance.
- Leverage EDB Support: Join the Presidential Export Awards; 27th ceremony in December 2025 honoured top performers at BMICH.[2] Apply via EDB portal.
- Target Markets: Focus on US (top buyer), UK, Germany, Belgium, Italy – they love our padparadsha sapphires.[4]
- Tech Up: Use NGJA's gem testing labs for laser inscriptions, boosting authenticity and prices by 20-30%.
- Finance Smart: Access Export Credit and Insurance Corporation (ECIC) guarantees; low-interest loans via Bank of Ceylon's export schemes.
Local example: A Ratnapura firm exported US$2 million in cut gems last December, crediting EDB's buyer-seller meets in Hong Kong.
Government Backing and Regulations for Exporters
Our laws make it straightforward. The Export Control Act ensures gems are declared accurately, with NGJA overseeing quality. No export duty on cut/polished gems since 2020 amendments – a game-changer.[Official: NGJA guidelines]. EDB's NEDP 2025-2029 promises training hubs in gem districts.[2]
Compliance tip: File BOI declarations for tax holidays if investing over Rs.50 million. Central Bank data shows FDI in gems rose in 2025.[4]
Challenges Amid the Boom
It's not all sparkle. Services exports dipped 2.47% in December to US$323.89 million, offsetting some gains.[3] Supply chain hiccups from weather in gem fields and global price volatility persist. Yet, merchandise's 6.32% annual rise shows strength.[3]
Future Outlook: Riding the Wave to 2030
With US$17.2 billion in 2025, we're on track for bigger leaps. EDB predicts gems could hit 10% of exports by 2027 if we invest in value-add like jewellery fabrication. Stakeholder talks for NEDP are ongoing – your input matters.[2]
FAQ
What caused the 46% rise in Sri Lanka gems exports in December 2025?
Strong global demand, accurate EDB estimates, and festive season buying in key markets like the US and Europe drove the surge.[1][3]
How do I start exporting gems from Sri Lanka?
Register with NGJA, get EDB certification, and use their export promotion events. Visit ngja.gov.lk for licences.[2]
What's the total export figure for 2025?
US$17.25 billion, with merchandise at US$13.58 billion including gems and jewellery.[1][3]
Are there tax benefits for jewellery exporters?
Yes, BOI offers 5-12 year tax holidays; no duties on polished gems. Check investsrilanka.com.
Which countries buy most Sri Lankan gems?
US, UK, Germany, Belgium, Italy – over 60% of gem exports.[4]
Can small businesses join the export boom?
Absolutely – EDB's SME programmes provide training and market links. Start with local gem auctions in Ratnapura.
Next Steps for You
Ready to cash in? Contact EDB at srilankabusiness.com for buyer directories. Visit NGJA for free consultations. Network at upcoming gem fairs – our sector's hotter than ever. Let's keep Sri Lanka shining on the world stage.
Sources & References
- Sri Lanka's Total Exports Surpass $17.2 Billion in 2025 - Newsfirst — newsfirst.lk
- Latest News - Media Center - Gem & Jewellery, Sri Lanka Export Development Board — srilankabusiness.com
- Sri Lanka's Export Earnings Surpass US$17.2 Billion in 2025 - The Investor — theinvestor.lk
- Sri Lanka Exports - Trading Economics — tradingeconomics.com
- Sri Lanka's export earnings surpass USD 17.2bn in 2025 - Hiru News — hirunews.lk
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