Dhaka:Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) exports to non-traditional and emerging markets have recorded a 9.30 percent growth in the first four months (July-October) of the current fiscal year 2026-27, reflecting the country's growing efforts to diversify its export destinations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, export earnings from these markets reached US$2.37 billion during the period, up from US$2.17 billion in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year, based on the latest data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). Turkey, Japan, Australia, and South Korea have emerged as key destinations, with particularly strong growth in exports to Turkey, where shipments have more than doubled.
Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Adviser to the Prime Minister on the ministries of Finance and Planning, stated that the government, under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's leadership, is working to expand Bangladesh's exports in both traditional and non-traditional markets. He emphasized the government's initiatives to develop necessary infrastructure and formulate policies aimed at transforming Bangladesh into a regional production and export hub.
EPB data indicates that Turkey recorded the highest growth among the non-traditional markets during July-October of FY27, with RMG exports to Turkey surging by 107.05 percent to US$206.5 million, compared to US$99.7 million during the same period last fiscal year. Japan remains Bangladesh's largest RMG export destination among the non-traditional markets, with exports reaching US$437.3 million during July-October, registering a 2.40 percent growth year-on-year.
Exports to Australia and South Korea also saw increases, with shipments rising by 3.01 percent to US$264 million and by 5.82 percent to US$151.3 million, respectively. In contrast, Bangladesh's RMG exports to India declined by 5.38 percent to US$250.9 million during the period.
The positive trend continued in October alone, with RMG exports to non-traditional markets increasing by 8.99 percent to US$559.7 million. Industry insiders believe that expanding exports to non-traditional markets will play an important role in strengthening the long-term competitiveness of Bangladesh's RMG sector.