Bangladesh’s merchandise exports rebounded strongly in August, rising 13 per cent year-on-year to $4.43 billion as garment shipments accelerated and several non-apparel sectors posted double-digit growth.
Export earnings were $3.92 billion in August 2025, according to Export Promotion Bureau.
The August surge lifted exports in the first two months of FY2026-27 by 5.43 per cent to $9.16 billion, from $8.69 billion in the same period a year earlier.
Ready-made garment (RMG) shipments remained the main driver, rising 13.92 per cent to $3.89 billion in August. RMG exports increased 5.12 per cent to $7.50 billion in July-August.
Knitwear exports grew 14.88 per cent in August, while woven garment shipments increased 12.70 per cent. For the first two months of the fiscal year, knitwear exports rose 6.17 per cent and woven garments 3.81 per cent.
The stronger performance extended to several non-RMG sectors, suggesting some progress in diversifying the export basket.
Jute and jute goods exports rose 37.09 per cent in August, pharmaceuticals 28.52 per cent, leather and leather goods 24.85 per cent, printed materials 24.83 per cent, engineering products 23.88 per cent and other footwear 15.29 per cent.
During July-August, printed materials recorded the strongest growth among major non-RMG sectors, with exports rising 41.89 per cent. Pharmaceuticals followed with 38.94 per cent, while other footwear and jute products increased 27.32 per cent and 22.26 per cent respectively.
The United States remained Bangladesh’s largest export market, with shipments rising 26.09 per cent in August and 11.90 per cent during July-August.
The United Kingdom regained its position as the second-largest destination, followed by Germany, Spain and the Netherlands.
Exports to Türkiye surged 141.03 per cent in August, while shipments to South Korea and Saudi Arabia rose 42.37 per cent and 42.09 per cent respectively.
The Export Promotion Bureau attributed the growth to stronger demand in major markets, increased buyer confidence, expanded production capacity and higher exports of value-added products.
The rebound comes amid a challenging global trade environment, with exporters facing changing consumer demand, shifting sourcing patterns and growing competition from other manufacturing economies.
Despite the broader gains, garments continue to account for the overwhelming majority of Bangladesh’s merchandise exports. Sustaining the recovery while expanding pharmaceuticals, leather, jute, engineering products and footwear will remain critical to reducing the country’s dependence on apparel.
