Bangladesh’s exports fell 18.07 per cent year on year in March, driven by a sharp drop in garment shipments, highlighting weakening global demand amid the war and mounting domestic pressures.
Export earnings stood at $3.48 billion in March 2026, slightly lower than February, while apparel exports plunged 19.35 per cent to $2.78 billion from $3.45 billion a year earlier, according to Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data.
Knitwear exports dropped 21.2 per cent to $1.42 billion, while woven garments declined 17.32 per cent to $1.36 billion.
The sharp March contraction reflects broader weakness seen across the fiscal year.
July-March exports 4.85% lower
Exports fell 4.85 per cent year on year to $35.39 billion in July–March of FY26, down from $37.19 billion in the same period a year earlier.
The decline was led by the readymade garments (RMG) sector, which dropped 5.51 per cent to $28.58 billion.
Within RMG, knitwear exports fell 6.42 per cent, while woven garments declined 4.48 per cent.
Industry leaders attributed the slowdown to weaker global demand, geopolitical tensions, rising production costs, and domestic constraints including energy shortages and supply disruptions.
“Export earnings have been on a downward trend for months,” said Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association President Mohammad Hatem.
“Reduced orders, coupled with fuel shortages and energy instability at home, have significantly hampered industrial output,” he added.
Despite the overall decline, some sectors posted growth.
Engineering products rose 17.38 per cent to $472.40 million, leather and leather goods grew 3.15 per cent to $878.02 million, and frozen and live fish exports increased 3.71 per cent to $227.23 million.
However, several key sectors remained under pressure.
Cotton and cotton products plunged 16.58 per cent, jute and jute goods fell 1.30 per cent, and home textiles declined 0.73 per cent.
Primary commodities dropped 4.95 per cent overall, with tobacco exports down 29.92 per cent and tea exports falling 12.65 per cent.
Fruit exports surged 141.79 per cent, though from a low base.
Former Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association director Mohiuddin Rubel said the industry is navigating a difficult phase.
“The nearly 20 per cent drop in March underscores the pressure on exporters amid volatile demand and rising costs,” he said.
Exporters urged the government to ensure uninterrupted energy supply and stronger policy support to help the sector recover.
