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Thursday | October 22, 2026 | Dhaka

BD ships $195m in goods to 11 South American markets

 Staff Reporter
 Published: 12:05 AM, 22 October 2026

Bangladesh’s exports to 11 South American markets reached $195.17 million in the first quarter of the current fiscal year (FY27), as the government steps up efforts to diversify export destinations and expand the range of products sold abroad.

According to Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data, exports to the region totalled $195.17 million during July-September, with Brazil, Chile and Peru emerging as the largest destinations.

Brazil topped the list with $70.82 million, followed by Chile at $51.87 million and Peru at $24.24 million. Colombia accounted for $18.05 million, while Uruguay and Argentina received goods worth $11.63 million and $10.28 million, respectively.

The figures highlight South America’s growing potential as a market for Bangladeshi products beyond traditional destinations in Europe and North America.

RMG dominates export basket
Readymade garments (RMG) continued to dominate Bangladesh’s exports to the region. Woven apparel and clothing accessories generated around $84.53 million during the quarter, while knitted and crocheted apparel accounted for approximately $70.10 million.

Together, the two categories contributed $154.63 million, representing nearly 79.2% of total exports to the 11 markets.

Pharmaceutical products generated around $6.58 million, while footwear and related products accounted for approximately $5.71 million. Other textile products, leather goods and travel articles also featured in the export basket, pointing to opportunities for further diversification.

Brazil and Chile jointly accounted for $122.69 million, or nearly 62.9% of total exports to the 11 markets, making them key destinations for targeted export promotion.

Trade fairs open doors for diversified exports
Bangladesh’s participation in Home Show Brazil 2026 in São Paulo has highlighted opportunities to expand exports of jute goods, leather products, home décor, handicrafts and other lifestyle products.

Held from August 11 to 13 at Distrito Anhembi in São Paulo, the exhibition featured four Bangladeshi companies: Jihan Plastic Industries, Mother Tannery, Rainbow Jute and Classical Handmade Products. The companies showcased their products across five booths with financial support from the EPB and under the management of the Bangladesh Embassy in Brasília.

Their displays included jute goods, bags, leather products, natural-fibre baskets, home décor, bamboo products, terracotta, clay items and Nakshi Kantha.

The EPB and the Bangladesh Embassy also operated a promotional booth highlighting Bangladesh’s exportable products and major export sectors.

Business-to-business meetings were held during the exhibition, with prospective buyers visiting the Bangladeshi stalls and expressing interest in the products.

A seminar on the production and export of home and lifestyle products was also organised to promote Bangladeshi goods among Brazilian business organisations and international buyers.

EPB stresses market diversification
EPB Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Mohammad Hasan Arif said the bureau was working to diversify Bangladesh’s export basket and strengthen the country’s presence in emerging international markets through more strategic participation in trade fairs.

He noted that excessive dependence on readymade garments and a limited number of export destinations could expose export earnings to external shocks, underscoring the need for product diversification and market expansion.

Arif also stressed the importance of researching market demand, consumer preferences, pricing, competition and business practices before participating in international exhibitions.

He highlighted the need to strengthen national pavilion branding, improve exporters’ preparedness and engage directly with international buyers to turn trade-fair participation into sustainable commercial opportunities.

With apparel continuing to account for the bulk of exports to South America, expanding sales of pharmaceuticals, footwear, leather goods, jute products and handicrafts could help Bangladesh broaden its export base and reduce dependence on a narrow range of products and markets.