Sri Lanka-Japan Bilateral Trade Analysis 2023
Complete trade statistics: $421.97M total volume •Sri Lanka surplus: $43.89M
Sri Lanka → Japan
$232.93M
Exports (2023)
Japan → Sri Lanka
$189.04M
Imports (2023)
Trade Balance
$43.89M
Surplus for Sri Lanka
Total Trade
$421.97M
Combined Volume
Trade Flow Visualization
Direct trade relationship between Sri Lanka and Japan. Green line shows exports from Sri Lanka, red line shows imports.
Detailed Product Trade Analysis
Comprehensive breakdown of trade flows by product category, revealing the specialized nature of the Sri Lanka-Japan commercial relationship and competitive positioning in global markets.
Sri Lanka → Japan Exports
Export Market Intelligence
🎯 Strategic Export Focus
Sri Lanka's export portfolio to Japan demonstrates strategic specialization, with bran, sharps and other residues: of wheat, whether or not in the form of pellets, derived from the sifting, milling or other workings thereof representing a key competitive advantage in this bilateral market.
Japan → Sri Lanka Imports
Import Dependency Profile
📦 Import Strategy Analysis
Sri Lanka's import pattern from Japan reveals strategic sourcingin rubber: synthetic, chloroprene (chlorobutadiene) rubber (cr), latex, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip, highlighting complementary economic structures and potential supply chain optimization opportunities.
Competitive Trade Position Analysis
Market Leadership
Sri Lanka demonstrates competitive strength in exportingbran, sharps and other residues: of wheat, whether or not in the form of pellets, derived from the sifting, milling or other workings thereof to Japan, leveraging comparative advantages.
Trade Complementarity
The bilateral relationship showsstrongcomplementarity, with each country specializing in different sectors.
Growth Potential
The $421.97M trade volume indicates substantial economic integration with room for expansion in emerging sectors.
Executive Summary: Sri Lanka-Japan Trade Relationship
Key Trade Highlights 2023
- Total Trade Volume: $421.97 millionrepresenting a significant bilateral economic relationship
- Trade Balance: Sri Lanka maintains a surplus of $43.89 million
- Export Focus: Sri Lanka's primary exports include bran, sharps and other residues: of wheat, whether or not in the form of pellets, derived from the sifting, milling or other workings thereof, tea, black: (fermented) and partly fermented tea, in immediate packings of a content exceeding 3kg, tea, black: (fermented) and partly fermented tea, in immediate packings of a content not exceeding 3kg
- Import Dependencies: Key imports from Japan include rubber: synthetic, chloroprene (chlorobutadiene) rubber (cr), latex, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip, medical, surgical or dental instruments and appliances: n.e.c. in heading no. 9018, rubber: synthetic, n.e.c. in heading 4002, latex, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip
Strategic Trade Indicators
📈 Market Position: This bilateral trade relationship represents an important regional trade partnerships, with complementary economic strengths driving sustained commercial exchange.
Historical Trade Analysis & Economic Context
Trade Evolution Timeline
2019-2023: Recent Trends
Current trade volume of $421.97M represents the culmination of evolving bilateral commercial relationships, influenced by global supply chain shifts and changing economic priorities.
2015-2019: Growth Period
Sustained expansion in bilateral trade driven by complementary economic structures, with Sri Lanka leveraging its comparative advantages in bran, sharps and other residues: of wheat, whether or not in the form of pellets, derived from the sifting, milling or other workings thereof.
2010-2015: Foundation Building
Establishment of modern trade frameworks and reduction of barriers, facilitating increased commercial exchange and investment flows between the two economies.
Pre-2010: Early Development
Initial stages of bilateral trade relationship development, with focus on traditional export-import patterns and gradual market integration.
Key Economic Drivers
Comparative Advantage
Sri Lanka's specialization in bran, sharps and other residues: of wheat, whether or not in the form of pellets, derived from the sifting, milling or other workings thereofcomplements Japan's demand patterns, creating natural trade synergies.
Supply Chain Integration
Deep integration in global value chains has strengthened bilateral linkages, particularly in rubber: synthetic, chloroprene (chlorobutadiene) rubber (cr), latex, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip.
Market Access & Trade Policy
Favorable trade agreements and market access conditions have facilitated the growth of this $421.97M bilateral relationship.
Trade Pattern Insights
Trade Relationship Outlook
The $421.97M bilateral trade volume positions this relationship for continued growth, supported by technological advancement, evolving consumer preferences, and strengthening economic ties. Key opportunities lie in expanding cooperation in emerging sectors while managing potential supply chain vulnerabilities.
Economic Impact & Strategic Outlook
Economic Impact Assessment
Trade Volume Impact
The $421.97 million bilateral trade volume represents a important trade relationshipfor both economies.
Industrial Integration
Trade flows in bran, sharps and other residues: of wheat, whether or not in the form of pellets, derived from the sifting, milling or other workings thereof and rubber: synthetic, chloroprene (chlorobutadiene) rubber (cr), latex, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip demonstrate deep industrial linkages and supply chain integration.
Trade Balance Effects
Sri Lanka's trade surplus of $43.89 million strengthens its overall economic position in this bilateral relationship.
Strategic Future Outlook
🚀Growth Opportunities
⚠️Risk Factors
🎯Strategic Recommendations
- Strengthen cooperation in high-value sectors beyond current trade patterns
- Develop alternative supply chains to reduce dependency risks
- Explore joint ventures in emerging technology sectors
- Enhance trade facilitation and reduce transaction costs
Market Position & Competitive Summary
The bilateral trade relationship between Sri Lanka and Japan represents a total trade volume of $421.97 million in 2023. This partnership demonstrates a favorable trade balance for Sri Lanka, with exports exceeding importsby $43.89 million.
Export Strengths
Sri Lanka's exports to Japan total $232.93 million, with competitive advantages in bran, sharps and other residues: of wheat, whether or not in the form of pellets, derived from the sifting, milling or other workings thereof, representing $25.57M or11.0% of bilateral exports.
Import Dependencies
Imports from Japan amount to $189.04 million, highlighting economic interdependence in rubber: synthetic, chloroprene (chlorobutadiene) rubber (cr), latex, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip, with Rubber: synthetic, chloroprene (chlorobutadiene) rubber (CR), latex, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip comprising3.9% of total imports.
The trade relationship reflects broader economic patterns and comparative advantages. The trade surplus indicates Sri Lanka's competitive position in this bilateral relationship. This partnership is characterized by complementary trade flows, with each country specializing in different product categories based on their respective economic strengths, industrial capabilities, and position in global value chains.
Download Bilateral Trade Data
Access detailed trade data between Sri Lanka and Japan in multiple formats.
Data Source: CEPII BACI (Base pour l'Analyse du Commerce International) • Last Updated: January 2025 • Coverage: 1995-2023

