B Mirror Report: Bangladesh’s export sector has rebounded after eight consecutive months of decline, with earnings surpassing $4 billion in April, marking a significant recovery in external trade performance.

According to the latest monthly report published by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), export earnings in April reached $4.0 billion, up 32.92% compared to $3.01 billion in the same month last year. The figure also represents a 15.20% increase from March’s $3.48 billion.

Officials and industry leaders attribute the sharp rise mainly to increased shipments from the ready-made garment sector and the release of previously delayed orders. They note that production disruptions in March due to extended Eid holidays led to a backlog that was cleared in April.

The garment industry, which remains the country’s largest export sector, generated $3.14 billion in April, reflecting a 31.21% year-on-year increase. Knitwear exports rose by 30%, while woven garments increased by 32%.

However, industry stakeholders caution that the growth may not signal a sustained upward trend. Leaders from major trade bodies said the April increase was largely a timing effect rather than a surge in new orders, warning that upcoming holidays could again disrupt production and exports.

Despite the monthly recovery, overall export performance for the July–April period of the 2025–26 fiscal year remains slightly negative. Total exports during this period stood at $39.39 billion, down 2.02% from $40.20 billion in the same period last year.

Beyond garments, several other sectors including agriculture, jute and jute goods, leather, home textiles, and engineering products also recorded positive growth in April, contributing to the overall improvement in export earnings.