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Tuesday | August 04, 2026 | Dhaka

Exports down, outlook brightens

RMG Recovery Fuels Hopes for FY27 Targets
 Staff Reporter
 Published: 12:49 AM, 04 August 2026

Bangladesh’s merchandise exports slipped 1 per cent year-on-year in July, the opening month of the 2026-27 fiscal year, reflecting weaker overseas demand for readymade garments despite a strong month-on-month recovery that signals improving export momentum.

Merchandise shipments totalled $4.72 billion in July, down from the same month a year earlier but 12.49 per cent higher than June’s $4.20 billion, according to data released on Monday by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).

The EPB said the country’s flagship readymade garment (RMG) industry recorded a robust monthly rebound, reinforcing expectations that Bangladesh could meet its export targets for the current fiscal year.

Garment exports stood at $3.88 billion in July, representing a 14.73 per cent increase from $3.38 billion in June, the data showed.

On a year-on-year basis, however, RMG exports declined 1.92 per cent, mirroring the overall fall in merchandise exports as international retailers continued to adjust inventory levels following the post-pandemic buying cycle.

The United States remained Bangladesh’s largest export destination, underlining the strength of bilateral trade despite subdued global demand.

Exports to the US reached $918.74 million in July, up 0.25 per cent from the corresponding month last year.

Germany ranked as the second-largest market with exports worth $495.30 million, followed by the United Kingdom at $478.42 million.

Among Bangladesh’s major export destinations, India and Saudi Arabia recorded the strongest growth, with exports rising 15.30 per cent and 10.64 per cent, respectively, according to the EPB.

The EPB said the continued strength of demand from the United States and the sharp month-on-month recovery in garment exports leave Bangladesh well placed to benefit from autumn and year-end festive season orders in key international markets.

Exporters are also expanding product offerings and exploring non-traditional markets to offset the modest annual decline and sustain export growth, the bureau said.