Exports in May surged to $4.4 billion, registering a 9.80% growth compared to April exports of $4.09 billion, according to Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data released on Wednesday.
However, cumulative exports during July–May FY2025–26 declined by 2.55% compared to the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year, decreasing from US$44.94 billion to US$43.79 billion. On a year-on-year basis, exports declined by 7.09%, falling from US$4,737.85 million in May 2025 to US$4,402.78 million in May 2026.
The RMG sector retained its dominance, exporting US$3,594.14 million in May 2026 and recording a 14.43% growth compared to April 2026 exports of US$3,140.90 million.
However, the sector registered an 8.29% year-on-year decline, with exports decreasing from US$3,919.07 million in May 2025 to US$3,594.14 million in May 2026.
During the July–May period, RMG exports also declined by 3.41% compared to the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year, falling from US$36.56 billion to US$35.31 billion.
Beyond apparel, several export-oriented sectors continued to strengthen Bangladesh's export base. Pharmaceuticals, plastic products, jute and jute goods, printed materials, home textiles, and engineering products recorded positive growth both on a year-on-year basis and during the cumulative July–May period of FY2025–26.
Furthermore, leather and leather goods, fruits, and crabs also achieved cumulative growth compared with the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year, highlighting the country's ongoing export diversification efforts.
Bangladesh's key export destinations continued to demonstrate strong demand for Bangladeshi products. Exports to the United States registered positive growth during the cumulative July–May period of FY2025–26.
Similarly, exports to Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, Canada, China, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia recorded growth during the cumulative July–May period of FY2025–26., reflecting Bangladesh's expanding presence in international markets and the growing competitiveness of its exports.
Despite ongoing global economic uncertainties and challenging international trade conditions, the latest export figures underscore the resilience of Bangladesh's export sector. The strong month-on-month recovery in May, combined with the sustained growth of non-traditional export sectors and positive performance in key markets, reflects the country's continued progress toward export diversification, market expansion, and long-term trade competitiveness.
Bd-pratidin English/TR
