Bangladesh’s jute sector has recorded a significant increase in export earnings during the first four months of the current fiscal year, with receipts rising nearly 25 per cent year-on-year, reflecting stronger demand for the country’s traditional fibre and its value-added products.

The country earned $346.37 million from jute and jute goods exports between July and October of FY2026-27, compared with $277.37 million in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year, according to export data. The earnings represent a year-on-year growth of 24.88 per cent.

Raw jute exports made a notable contribution to the growth, generating $53.94 million during the period, up 62.42 per cent from the previous year’s earnings.

Exports of jute yarn and twine also performed strongly, bringing in $216.54 million, an increase of 30.68 per cent year-on-year. These products remained the largest contributor to the sector’s overall export earnings.

However, earnings from jute sacks and bags declined to $53.43 million from $57.72 million in the same period a year earlier. Meanwhile, exports of other jute products rose to $22.46 million from $20.74 million.

The government has set an ambitious target to expand the country’s jute exports under its Jute Sector Strategy 2026-2031. The strategy aims to increase annual export earnings to $1.64 billion by 2031 through higher production, product diversification and greater investment in the sector.

It also seeks to raise raw jute production to 12 million bales from the current 11.5 million bales and achieve 85-90 per cent self-sufficiency in jute seeds.

Another key target is to increase the share of value-added products in total jute exports to 70 per cent from the existing 45 per cent. To support these objectives, the strategy envisages investment of around Tk4,750 crore.

Industry representatives believe Bangladesh has considerable scope to expand its position in the global jute market. According to an industry association leader, the country’s annual jute export earnings could reach $2 billion to $3 billion if product diversification, value addition and investment are strengthened.

The latest export figures indicate renewed momentum in the sector, although sustaining the growth will depend on improving production capacity, developing higher-value products and exploring new international markets.