Bangladesh’s export earnings recorded a strong recovery in May 2026, rising 9.80 percent month-on-month to $4.40 billion, driven by a sharp rebound in readymade garment (RMG) shipments and steady performance in several non-traditional sectors.
According to data released by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), exports reached $4,402.78 million in May, up from $4,009.93 million in April, reflecting renewed strength in external trade and sustained global demand for Bangladeshi products.
The readymade garment sector led the recovery, earning $3,594.14 million in May, a 14.43 percent increase over the previous month. The growth highlights the sector’s resilience and its ability to regain momentum amid shifting global trade conditions.
Alongside apparel, non-traditional export sectors continued to perform strongly. Pharmaceuticals, plastic products, jute and jute goods, printed materials, home textiles, and engineering products all posted positive growth in May as well as during the July–May period of FY2025–26.
Emerging export items also showed encouraging trends, with leather and leather goods, fruits, and crabs recording cumulative growth over the first eleven months of the fiscal year, pointing to expanding opportunities in value-added and niche markets.
Export growth was further supported by improved performance in key international destinations. During July–May, shipments to the United States increased, while exports to Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, Canada, China, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia also rose, indicating broader market diversification.
Despite cumulative exports reaching $43.79 billion during July–May, the strong rebound in May signals improving momentum and resilience in Bangladesh’s external sector.
Analysts say continued growth in non-traditional exports, alongside recovery in garment shipments and expanding global market access, is strengthening Bangladesh’s position in international supply chains.
Overall, the latest figures reflect steady progress in export diversification, competitiveness, and long-term trade sustainability despite ongoing global economic uncertainties.
