While the global jackfruit market has grown to USD 2.8 billion annually, Sri Lanka exports only 20-30 metric tons monthly despite geographic and logistical advantages over regional competitors.
The global jackfruit market has experienced rapid expansion in recent years, reaching an estimated USD 2.8 billion in 2025 and projected to reach USD 5.2 billion by 2034, driven largely by increasing demand from vegan, vegetarian, and health-conscious consumers. Despite this growth, Sri Lanka has captured only a marginal share of this lucrative market, exporting approximately 20 to 30 metric tons monthly, primarily in processed form.
Regional competitors have moved aggressively to dominate jackfruit exports. Thailand leads globally with around 300,000 tons of annual exports, while Vietnam's jackfruit exports surged from USD 3 million in 2015 to USD 236.8 million in 2023. India exported over 26,000 tons valued at approximately USD 40 million during the 2023-2024 fiscal year, while Bangladesh is expanding its presence, recently shipping fresh jackfruits by sea to the Gulf market. According to reports cited in local media, between 200 million and 30 percent of Sri Lanka's estimated 280 million annual jackfruit production goes to waste, highlighting the gap between supply and utilization.
A recent development in Bangladesh suggests sea freight could transform the economics of fresh jackfruit exports. A Dhaka-based exporter successfully shipped 3.5 tons of fresh jackfruits to Dubai by sea in May 2026, with quality remaining intact after 26 days. Colombo-to-Dubai sea routes typically require only 4 to 8 days, offering a potential competitive advantage. Major markets for jackfruit include North America, Europe, the Gulf countries, China, and Australia, with Gulf markets showing particular demand for fresh fruit.
Experts question why Sri Lanka has not leveraged its geographic proximity to Gulf markets and its early experience in fruit and vegetable exports to the region. The main barrier to fresh jackfruit exports has been perishability and high shipping costs when using air freight for whole fruit, given the low edible-to-waste ratio. Neighboring countries have begun addressing this through government support and strategic market agreements, including Bangladesh's recent memorandum of understanding with China targeting 500 to 1,000 tons of jackfruit exports.
