Merchandise exports up 8.6pc in FY2024-25

Staff Reporter :

Bangladesh’s merchandise exports rose by 8.58 per cent in the fiscal year 2024-25, reaching US$48.28 billion despite ongoing economic uncertainties and a period of political transition. The figure represents a notable increase from US$44.46 billion recorded in FY2023-24, according to data released by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).

The robust growth is largely attributed to the continued strong performance of the ready-made garment (RMG) sector, which remains the cornerstone of the country’s export economy.

RMG exports totalled US$39.34 billion during the year, reflecting an 8.84 per cent year-on-year growth. Within this segment, knitwear exports rose by 9.73 per cent to US$21.15 billion, while woven garment exports increased by 7.82 per cent to US$18.18 billion.

Other sectors also contributed to the overall growth. Home textile exports saw a modest 2.42 per cent rise, reaching US$871.57 million. Pharmaceuticals, leather and leather goods, frozen seafood, and plastic products also registered positive growth, further reinforcing Bangladesh’s competitiveness in global markets.

Despite the annual growth, the country saw a decline in export performance for the month of June 2025.

Export earnings for the month dropped by 7.55 per cent to US$3.33 billion, compared to US$3.61 billion in June 2024. Exporters attributed the decline to the extended Eid-ul-Adha holidays and a two-day nationwide port shutdown triggered by a deadlock involving the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

In contrast, May 2025 showed strong export performance, with earnings increasing to US$4.73 billion from US$4.25 billion in May of the previous year.

For FY2024-25, the government had set a target of US$57.5 billion in combined goods and services exports. Of this, US$50 billion was projected from merchandise exports, with the remainder expected from services.

The export figures underscore the resilience of Bangladesh’s key sectors, particularly garments, even in the face of global economic headwinds and domestic challenges.