Accra:Bangladesh is witnessing new opportunities to diversify its readymade garment (RMG) exports through non-cotton products, driven by rising international demand that encourages increased investment, technology adoption, skills development, and higher-value manufacturing.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) reported that Bangladesh earned $29.91 billion from garment exports during the first nine months of the calendar year. Of this total, cotton-based garments generated $20.75 billion, accounting for 69.3 percent, while non-cotton garments contributed $9.17 billion, or 30.7 percent of the earnings.
The share of non-cotton garments has shown an upward trend. Their monthly average share was approximately 28 percent in January and February, surpassing 30 percent for the first time in June to reach 31.6 percent. By August, the share had climbed to 34.6 percent before slightly easing to 32.6 percent in September.
In terms of monthly earnings, non-cotton garment exports peaked in July at $1.31 billion, underscoring the increasing contribution of these products to Bangladesh's apparel export earnings. Meanwhile, cotton-based products continue to dominate, with monthly export earnings ranging between $1.97 billion and $2.6 billion during the nine-month period.
The rising share of non-cotton garments indicates a gradual shift in Bangladesh's export composition, offering potential to diversify product offerings and strengthen the country's position in the global apparel market. Sustaining this trend will be vital for broadening the export base and reducing reliance on a limited range of garment products.