Sri Lanka’s food and beverage imports grew by nearly 9 percent topping $1.5 billion last year (2020) compared to 2019 despite import restrictions, according to the Central Bank (CB).
The Sugar and confectionery imports in 2020 rose by a record 37.7 percent Year-on-Year reaching $277.1 million.
The Vegetable imports recorded an increase of 13.8 percent reaching $ 352.9 million in the year compared to 2019.
The imports of Dairy products also grew by 7 percent Year-on-Year to $333.8 million in 2020.
At the same time, imports expenditure on seafood and Cereals and milling industry products declined by 12.1 percent and 7.1 percent in 2020 compared to the previous year.
In the year, Agricultural exports declined by 5.1 percent to $.2.3 billion compared to 2019, due to declines in tea, unmanufactured tobacco, and seafood exports.