Bangladesh’s export earnings in April dropped to their lowest level in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, which began in July 2024, primarily due to factory closures during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays and an ongoing gas supply crisis affecting industrial production.
According to data released by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) on Sunday, export receipts in April stood at $3.01 billion, registering a modest 0.86% growth compared to April of the previous fiscal year.
Previously, the lowest monthly export earnings in FY25 were recorded in September, when exports totalled $3.52 billion.
In stark contrast, exports surged to $4.25 billion in March 2025, demonstrating the volatility in export performance throughout the fiscal year.
Exporters have attributed the April slump to several contributing factors, most notably the temporary closure of factories during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, which significantly reduced production capacity.
Additionally, persistent gas shortages across industrial zones have further hindered manufacturing operations, particularly in key sectors such as ready-made garments (RMG), textiles, and ceramics.
Despite the dip in April, the country’s overall export performance between July and April showed resilience. Cumulative exports during this 10-month period grew by over 10% year-on-year, supported by strong performances in earlier months, particularly in major sectors like RMG.
Bangladesh’s export sector, which is heavily reliant on garments—accounting for over 80% of total exports—remains sensitive to both global demand shifts and domestic production constraints.
While the recent decline is seen as seasonal and circumstantial, exporters and policymakers are calling for urgent energy sector reforms to ensure uninterrupted industrial output and maintain export competitiveness.
The government has also reiterated its commitment to infrastructure and energy improvements to sustain export momentum as global demand gradually recovers.