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Sri Lanka’s Halal-certified product exports are estimated at USD 1.7 billion for 2023, representing 61% of the nation’s food and beverage exports and 14% of its overall exports.
The standout product is Halal-certified tea, valued at USD 1.29 billion in 2023. Additionally, prepared and preserved fruits, nuts, and other edible plant parts reached USD 191 million, while processed food and beverages, including extracts, essences, concentrates, sauces, soups, and ice creams, contributed USD 111 million.
The growth in Sri Lanka’s Halal-certifiable food and beverage exports, excluding tea, has been remarkable, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% from 2012 to 2023. This robust growth highlights the increasing global demand for Sri Lankan Halal products.
Key markets for these exports include both OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) and non-OIC countries. The top five OIC markets—Turkey, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Azerbaijan—collectively generated USD 501 million in 2023. The top five non-OIC markets—Russia, the United States, Germany, China, and the Netherlands—accounted for USD 382.74 million.
Policy makers stress the importance of boosting exports to mitigate the trade deficit and improve the balance of payments. Long-term agricultural development is crucial for strengthening the economy, increasing export income, enhancing food security, and reducing rural poverty, given that over 30% of the population is employed in agriculture.
The Halal Accreditation Council (HAC) plays a pivotal role in this success by continually updating its standards and operations. This enables Sri Lankan food business operators to access the global Halal food and beverage market, valued at USD 2 trillion.
HAC’s efforts have been recognized with several awards. The council received Gold from the National Chamber of Exporters for two consecutive years (2022-2023) for its Halal certification initiatives and a Merit at the Sri Lanka National Quality Awards from the Sri Lanka Standards Institute, highlighting its commitment to quality and excellence.
As Sri Lanka expands its Halal-certifiable exports, the nation’s agricultural sector is poised for even greater achievements, solidifying its position in the global market and contributing to economic growth and stability.
