Muhammad Ayub Ali :
Despite ongoing uncertainty caused by unsettled reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States, Bangladesh’s export earnings began the new fiscal year (FY2025-26) on a robust note, recording a significant year-on-year increase in July.
According to the latest data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Bangladesh’s exports in July-the first month of FY26-totalled $4.78 billion, up 24.9 per cent from $3.82 billion in the same month last year (FY2024-25).
While overall export growth for FY25 stood at 8.55 per cent compared to FY24, exports dipped by 7.55 per cent in June, the final month of FY25. Total exports for FY25 reached $48.28 billion, up from $44.47 billion the previous year.
The ready-made garment (RMG) sector, Bangladesh’s leading export earner, contributed $3.96 billion in July, marking a growth of 24.67 per cent. Knitwear exports rose 26.1 per cent to $2.18 billion, while woven garment exports increased by 23.08 per cent to $1.78 billion.
Mohiuddin Rubel, former director of BGMEA and Managing Director of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, told The New Nation that the rise in shipments in July could be attributed to the extended Eid holiday break in June and pre-emptive shipments by buyers ahead of the implementation of US tariffs.
Exporters attributed the unusual June decline-the only month during the fiscal year to record a year-on-year fall-to a combination of factors including reduced orders from major global brands, buyer uncertainty over US tariff issues, domestic gas supply shortages, and the extended Eid holiday.
In 2024, Bangladesh exported apparel worth $38.48 billion, capturing 6.9 per cent of the global apparel market and maintaining its position as the world’s second-largest apparel exporter after China, and ahead of Vietnam.
Data from the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE) indicate the global apparel market is valued at approximately $557.5 billion this year.
China continues to dominate with exports worth $165.24 billion, accounting for 29.64 per cent of the market.
However, China’s gradual shift away from labour-intensive garment manufacturing towards high-tech and value-added industries is creating new opportunities for emerging exporters like Bangladesh.
This transition is expected to bolster Bangladesh’s role in the global apparel supply chain as international buyers seek diversified sourcing options.
In addition to apparel, Bangladesh’s leather and leather goods exports rose by 29.65 per cent to $127.38 million, while home textile exports increased by 13.24 per cent to $68.08 million.
Key export sectors such as ready-made garments, frozen fish, plastic products, leather, and footwear reported strong year-on-year growth, with moderate gains observed in agricultural products and home textiles.
Specifically, exports of jute and jute goods increased by 4.92 per cent, frozen and live fish exports surged 42.74 per cent, plastic products rose 7.41 per cent, and agricultural product exports grew by 12.86 per cent.
