Bangladesh’s apparel exports rose 6.1 per cent to $10.58 billion in July-September 2026, with basic garments accounting for 94 per cent of the increase, highlighting the industry’s growing dependence on traditional products rather than more advanced clothing.
Export earnings increased by $608.14 million from $9.97 billion a year earlier, according to Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data compiled by Bangladesh Apparel Voice (BAV).
Basic garments contributed $572.69 million, or 94.2 per cent, of the additional earnings. Exports in the segment grew 7.45 per cent to $8.26 billion, raising its share of total apparel exports to 78.06 per cent from 77.08 per cent.
Three product groups generated nearly 80 per cent of the overall export increase.
Bottomwear, including trousers, shorts and skirts, added $201.11 million to reach $3.29 billion. Sweaters and cardigans contributed $178.11 million, rising 9.52 per cent to $2.05 billion, while T-shirts and vests added $104.23 million to reach $1.58 billion.
Together, these products accounted for $483.45 million, or 79.5 per cent, of the quarter’s export growth.
Babies’ garments recorded the fastest growth among basic products, rising 10.19 per cent to $331 million. Innerwear exports increased 6.28 per cent to $972.16 million, while small accessories gained 3.23 per cent to $38.63 million.
Growth was considerably weaker in other segments.
Semi-basic garments, comprising shirts and blouses, grew just 1.77 per cent to $841.73 million. Their share of total apparel exports fell to 7.96 per cent from 8.30 per cent.
Advanced garments recorded only 1.42 per cent growth to $1.48 billion, adding $20.77 million. Their export share slipped to 13.98 per cent from 14.63 per cent.
Within this segment, outerwear exports rose 3.49 per cent to $991.69 million, while technical wear increased 8.07 per cent to $246.86 million.
Those gains were partly offset by declines in three categories. Dresses fell 10.66 per cent to $124.65 million, sportswear and activewear dropped 11.24 per cent to $80.44 million, and suits and ensembles plunged 14.48 per cent to $35.78 million.
Mohiuddin Rubel, founder and chief executive officer of Bangladesh Apparel Voice, said the figures showed Bangladesh selling more of its established products rather than diversifying into advanced categories.
The shift leaves basic garments with a larger share of export earnings, while the advanced segment continues to lose ground despite overall apparel export growth.
