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Tuesday | January 27, 2026 | Dhaka

Merchandise exports hit $44.94b in 11 months

Published · Updated

Muhid Hasan :

Despite prevailing economic uncertainties and political transitions, Bangladesh’s merchandise exports have shown strong resilience, recording a 10 per cent year-on-year growth during the first 11 months (July-May) of the 2024-25 fiscal year.

According to data released by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) on Tuesday, total export earnings reached USD 44.94 billion, up from USD 40.85 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year.

This growth is primarily driven by the continued strong performance of the readymade garment (RMG) sector, which remains the cornerstone of the country’s export economy. In May alone, export earnings rose to USD 4.73 billion, compared to USD 4.25 billion in the corresponding month last year.

The RMG industry retained its dominant position, contributing USD 36.55 billion during the July-May period-a 10.2 per cent increase year-on-year. Other major sectors, including pharmaceuticals, leather and leather goods, frozen and live fish, home textiles, and plastic products, also registered positive export growth, underlining Bangladesh’s expanding footprint in global trade.

Pharmaceutical exports reached USD 196.58 million, marking a 5.25 per cent increase. Leather and leather goods exports rose by 12.55 per cent to USD 1.057 billion, while frozen and live fish exports surged by 17.53 per cent to USD 410.19 million. Home textiles also performed well, earning USD 824.58 million, up 4.78 per cent year-on-year.

However, not all sectors experienced growth. Exports of jute and jute goods fell by 4.77 per cent during the July-May period, amounting to USD 769 million.

Commenting on the export performance, noted economist and academic Professor Muinul Islam told The New Nation that while the figures are encouraging, the interim government must prioritise sustainability to maintain this upward trajectory. He stressed the importance of a stable supply of gas and electricity, a secure law and order situation, banking sector support, and export product diversification to sustain long-term growth.

For the full fiscal year 2024-25, Bangladesh has set an ambitious export target of USD 57.5 billion, including USD 50 billion from goods and the remainder from services. In FY2024, the country’s goods exports stood at USD 44.48 billion, which was 4.34 per cent lower than the previous fiscal year.