Bangladesh’s exports rose 33 per cent in April to $4.01 billion, ending eight months of decline as delayed March shipments lifted the monthly figure.
Export Promotion Bureau data showed earnings grew 32.9 per cent year-on-year and 15.2 per cent from March, signalling a rebound after months of pressure on external earnings.
The March base was weak, with exports falling 18.07 per cent year-on-year and 0.42 per cent month-on-month due to Eid-ul-Fitr shutdowns that disrupted production and shipment schedules.
“The substantial growth we are seeing is essentially a carry-over effect,” said Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan.
He said goods scheduled for March were shipped in April, inflating the monthly total rather than reflecting fresh demand.
Exporters said order books remain steady, with no clear evidence of a sudden increase in global demand, and warned that monthly figures may remain volatile through June as shipment cycles normalise after the holiday disruption.
Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association President Mohammad Hatem said the 15.2 per cent month-on-month rise was not driven by new orders or stronger consumer demand.
“The surge was largely attributed to a backlog created during March,” he said, adding that factory closures for about 10 days caused production delays and missed shipment windows.
Despite the April rebound, cumulative exports reached $39.40 billion in the first 10 months of fiscal year 2025–26, down about 2.01 per cent from $40.21 billion in the same period a year earlier, highlighting continued pressure on overall export performance.
The United States remained the largest export destination, with shipments rising 43 per cent year-on-year to $823.5 million in April.
Demand from Europe also strengthened, led by Spain and Poland, where exports grew 43.5 per cent and 40.5 per cent respectively.
Among emerging markets, exports to Saudi Arabia rose 92.4 per cent, while shipments to China increased 36.6 per cent.
The ready-made garment sector, which dominates Bangladesh’s export basket, showed mixed trends.
Apparel exports declined 2.82 per cent year-on-year to $31.72 billion during July–April, though April shipments rose 31.21 per cent to $3.14 billion, reflecting the same shipment spillover effect.
Within the sector, knitwear exports grew 30.02 per cent to $1.70 billion, while woven garments rose 32.65 per cent to $1.44 billion in April.
BGMEA former director Mohiuddin Rubel said the April surge also reflects a gradual recovery in global retail demand after a prolonged slowdown.
He said stronger growth in the US and European markets suggests inventory corrections are easing and buyers are returning with fresh orders.
He cautioned that cost pressures, energy constraints, and pricing competition continue to weigh on exporters, and sustaining momentum will depend on improving efficiency and policy support.
Other sectors showed varied performance.
Leather and leather goods exports reached $980 million in the first 10 months, up 5.95 per cent year-on-year, with April exports rising 35.67 per cent to $110 million.
Agro-processed exports declined 4.69 per cent to $820 million over the same period, though April shipments rose nearly 65 per cent to $85.9 million.
Exporters said another holiday in the final week of May could again disrupt production and logistics, raising the risk of further volatility in monthly export data.
