Exports climb 11pc in Jan as BD shows trade resilience

Staff Reporter :

Bangladesh’s export sector showed strong resilience in January, recording an 11.22percent month-on-month growth to $4.41 billion, up from $3.97 billion in December 2025, signaling improving trade momentum despite global economic challenges, according to the latest data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).

During the July-January period of FY2025-26, total exports reached $28.41 billion, slightly below the $28.97 billion recorded in the same period of FY2024-25, reflecting the impact of ongoing global trade conditions.

The readymade garments (RMG) sector maintained its dominant role, generating $22.98 billion in earnings and posting an 11.77percent growth over the previous year, underscoring sustained global demand and Bangladesh’s competitiveness in apparel exports.

Performance among other key export sectors—leather and leather goods, jute and jute products, agro-processed goods, home textiles, light engineering, and frozen fish was mixed.

Sectors such as leather, jute, home textiles, plastics, and light engineering reported growth on both year-on-year and month-on-month bases, while others faced slower momentum.

Among major export destinations, the United States remained Bangladesh’s largest market, with shipments totalling $5.22 billion during July-January, reflecting 1.64percent growth over the corresponding period last year and 2.24percent month-on-month growth.

The European Union also showed positive trends, with Germany and the United Kingdom ranking as the second- and third-largest destinations, earning $2.85 billion and $2.78 billion, respectively.

Exports to Great Britain, Spain, and the Netherlands likewise registered growth across year-on-year and month-on-month comparisons.

Overall, the data suggest a gradual recovery in Bangladesh’s export performance, driven by strong RMG exports and selective growth in non-RMG sectors, despite lingering global economic headwinds.