Bangladesh’s garment exports grew 1.4% in July–October FY26, signalling resilience despite global uncertainty — yet falling orders in emerging markets point to rising risks.
Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) sector has posted positive export growth in the face of tightening global demand, inflation, and geopolitical tensions. According to new Export Promotion Bureau data, RMG shipments reached $12.99 billion in the first four months of FY26, slightly up from last year and described by industry insiders as a “sustainable signal” amid continued market volatility.
EU and US markets delivered modest but stabilising performance. Exports to the EU rose 0.46% to $6.26 billion, reflecting cautious but steady demand despite recessionary pressures and weakened purchasing power. Shipments to the US grew 5.14% to $2.59 billion, supported by renewed orders in fast-fashion and basics, though shifting tariff policies and US political uncertainty remain key risks. The UK and Canada also recorded healthy growth of 2.72% and 10.84%, respectively.
The concern lies elsewhere: exports to non-traditional markets—Australia, Japan, China, Russia, and South America—fell 2.69%, dampened by recession, sanctions-linked disruptions, currency instability, and rising logistics costs. Industry analysts warn that Bangladesh’s overdependence on traditional Western markets leaves it exposed to concentrated risk.
Woven garments outperformed knitwear with growth of 2.66% versus 0.42%, indicating renewed demand for woven items in the EU and US. But experts caution that rising production costs, energy constraints, and fierce competition from Vietnam, India, and Cambodia could erode gains.
For Bangladesh to secure long-term export stability, the sector must accelerate market diversification, upgrade product sophistication, and strengthen buyer relationships to maintain competitiveness amid a rapidly evolving global apparel landscape.
