In spite of challenges like labor unrest, factory shutdowns, canceled orders, absconding factory owners, and tariffs imposed by the U.S., Bangladesh's garment exports are continuing to grow.
During the July-March period of the 2024–25 fiscal year, Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garment (RMG) exports increased by 10.84 percent compared to the same period 2024, reaching $30.25 billion.
Traditional markets have played a significant role in this growth, while exports to non-traditional markets are also rising consistently.
The information comes from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
According to EPB and BGMEA data, traditional markets particularly the European Union (EU), the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada—have significantly contributed to the export growth. During this period, 49.82% of the total ready-made garment exports went to the European Union (EU).
From the EU alone, export earnings reached $15.07 billion, which is an increase of 11.31 percent compared to the same period of 2024.
From July to March, exports to the United States, the second-largest apparel market increased by 17.23 percent. During this period, Bangladesh’s total garment exports to the U.S. amounted to $5.74 billion. Exports to the United Kingdom and Canada were $3.36 billion and $963.85 million, respectively. Among these, exports to Canada grew by 15.66 percent, while exports to the UK saw a 4.14 percent increase.
Among European markets, garment exports decreased in only three countries: Estonia, Latvia, and Luxembourg. In the remaining countries, exports maintained a positive trend.
Notably, exports to Romania and Lithuania surged by more than 100 percent. In Romania, exports rose by 102.91 percent, and in Lithuania by 109.29 percent, compared to the same nine-month period of the previous year.
In monetary terms, Bangladesh exported $3.80 billion worth of garments to Germany, $2.65 billion to Spain, $1.65 billion to France, $1.61 billion to the Netherlands, and $1.26 billion to Poland. In terms of growth, exports to the Netherlands rose by 23.15 percent, to Sweden by 19.96 percent, to Denmark by 12.80 percent, and to France by 10.75 percent.
Garment exports to non-traditional markets also increased, rising by 6.66 perecnt during the July–March period.
In these nine months, exports to non-traditional markets totaled $5.12 billion, which accounts for 16.93 percent of total exports. Among these markets, Japan, Australia, and India were notable.
Garment exports to Japan stood at $960.45 million, to Australia at $653.64 million, and to India at $535.15 million. During this time, however, exports to Russia, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), New Zealand, and Malaysia declined.
Fazle Shamim Ehsan, Executive Vice President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), stated, “The reason for the positive export trend is buyers’ confidence in Bangladesh.”
He said that orders may temporarily decline due to economic downturns, but when global demand rises again, exports from Bangladesh increase first because of the strong trust buyers have in the country.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
