Bangladesh’s merchandise exports recovered in July, rising 12.49 per cent from June as a rebound in ready-made garment (RMG) and home textile shipments lifted overall earnings.
Exports totalled $4.73 billion in July, up from $4.20 billion in June, according to Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data released on Monday.
The recovery, however, failed to reverse the year-on-year decline, with July exports 0.90 per cent lower than the $4.77 billion recorded in the same month last year, which saw a sharp spike in shipments ahead of the Trump tariff.
The export performance reflected a mixed recovery, with traditional apparel sectors driving the monthly rebound while engineering products, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and jute helped strengthen the export base through annual growth.
RMG and home textiles drive recovery
RMG accounted for the bulk of the monthly increase, adding nearly $499 million to export earnings compared with June. Apparel exports rose 14.73 per cent month on month to $3.89 billion in July from $3.39 billion in June, making up more than 82 per cent of total merchandise exports.
Knitwear shipments increased 17.33 per cent to $2.16 billion, while woven garment exports rose 11.64 per cent to $1.73 billion. Despite leading the recovery, apparel exports remained below last year’s level. RMG shipments declined 1.92 per cent year on year to $3.89 billion in July from $3.96 billion in July 2025.
Knitwear exports fell 0.90 per cent year on year to $2.16 billion, while woven garment exports declined 3.16 per cent to $1.73 billion.
Home textile exports rose 3.59 per cent month on month to $77.86 million from $75.16 million in June. The sector also posted 14.37 per cent year-on-year growth, increasing from $68.08 million in July 2025.
Engineering, chemicals post strong gains
Outside apparel and home textiles, engineering products and chemicals emerged as the strongest performers. Engineering exports climbed 27.84 per cent month on month to $69.07 million in July from $54.03 million in June. The sector also posted an 18.62 per cent year-on-year increase from $58.23 million in July 2025.
Chemical exports rose 25.22 per cent from June to $41.36 million and increased 25.68 per cent year on year from $32.91 million. Pharmaceutical exports gained 8.89 per cent month on month to $22.67 million and grew 19 per cent annually from $19.05 million.
Leather and leather products edged up 1.64 per cent month on month to $130.96 million and recorded a 2.81 per cent annual rise. Other footwear exports increased 10.71 per cent month on month to $54.25 million and rose 5.52 per cent year on year.
Jute records highest annual growth
Jute remained the strongest annual performer among major export sectors. Jute and jute goods exports surged 53.97 per cent year on year to $85.36 million in July from $55.44 million a year earlier, supported by higher shipments of jute yarn and twine.
However, the sector lost momentum compared with June, with exports declining 5.50 per cent from $90.33 million.
Traditional sectors face pressure
Several sectors recorded declines despite the overall monthly recovery. Cotton and cotton products exports rose 16.25 per cent from June to $39.71 million but declined 14.42 per cent year on year. Frozen and live fish shipments increased 14.12 per cent month on month to $35.73 million but fell 13.28 per cent annually.
Man-made filaments and staple fibres declined 19.71 per cent year on year to $31.66 million, while paper and paper products dropped 27.85 per cent to $17.82 million.
Smaller sectors show sharp movements
Several smaller export categories posted significant percentage growth, although from relatively low bases. Ceramic exports rose 69.86 per cent month on month to $3.72 million and increased 18.10 per cent year on year.
Glass and glassware exports climbed 47.27 per cent from June to $0.81 million and were 138.24 per cent higher than July 2025. Carpet exports increased 28.04 per cent month on month to $3.79 million and gained 44.66 per cent year on year.
US remains largest export market
The United States remained Bangladesh’s largest export destination in July, with shipments worth $918.74 million, up 0.25 per cent from a year earlier. Germany ranked second with exports of $495.30 million, followed by the United Kingdom with $478.42 million.
Among major markets, exports to India recorded the strongest growth, rising 15.30 per cent year on year, while shipments to Saudi Arabia increased 10.64 per cent.
July’s figures suggest that Bangladesh’s export recovery remains heavily dependent on garments, but the stronger performance of home textiles, engineering products, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and jute indicates gradual progress towards a more diversified export basket.
