B Mirror Report: Bangladesh’s merchandise export earnings stood at US$31.91 billion during the July–February period of fiscal year 2025–26, reflecting the sector’s underlying resilience amid a softening global trade environment.
According to a press release issued by the Export Promotion Bureau, the latest figure compares with $32.92 billion earned during the same period of the previous fiscal year.
Although exports registered a slight year-on-year decline, overall performance indicates a stable trade landscape capable of withstanding both domestic challenges and international headwinds.
The Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector, the cornerstone of the country’s export earnings, generated $25,796 million in the first eight months of the current fiscal year. The figure represents a 3.73 percent drop compared to the corresponding period last year.
Despite the marginal contraction, the sector’s internal structure remained solid. Knitwear once again outperformed woven garments, retaining its leading position and acting as a key support for the industry amid evolving global fashion trends.
Meanwhile, several non-traditional sectors posted positive year-on-year growth, signaling continued diversification of the national export basket. The expansion of these emerging industries points to a gradual strengthening of the country’s broader industrial base.
Among the notable performers were leather and leather goods, jute and jute products, home textiles, light engineering items and frozen fish, all of which contributed to export growth during the period.
In terms of export destinations, the United States remained the single largest market, with shipments amounting to $5,874.13 million, marking a modest growth of 0.74 percent.
Significantly, China recorded the highest growth among major export destinations, posting a strong 19.12 percent year-on-year increase.
Officials attributed the slight overall decline in exports to temporary disruptions such as port congestion, the national election period and subdued demand in several key global markets.
