Dhaka:Earnings from the export of jute and jute products have experienced a significant increase of 24.88 percent in the first four months of the 2026-27 fiscal year, compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) reported that export earnings reached US$346.37 million from July to October of FY27, up from US$277.37 million during the corresponding period of FY26. This growth aligns with the rising global demand for environmentally friendly and natural fiber-based products.
Raw jute exports saw the highest growth, with earnings rising to US$53.94 million, a 62.42 percent increase from the previous year's US$33.21 million. Additionally, jute yarn and twine, the largest contributors to the sector's export earnings, generated US$216.54 million, marking a 30.68 percent increase from the prior fiscal year's US$165.70 million.
Meanwhile, exports of sacks and bags declined to US$53.43 million from US$57.72 million, while earnings from other jute products rose to US$22.46 million from US$20.74 million. The international demand for jute products as alternatives to plastic is creating new opportunities for Bangladesh, particularly in jute bags, packaging materials, home furnishings, technical textiles, and fashion items.
The government is planning to implement a five-year Bangladesh Jute Sector Development Strategy and Action Plan for 2026-2031, aiming to increase annual export earnings from jute and jute goods to US$1.64 billion by 2031. The strategy also targets raising annual raw jute production and meeting domestic jute seed demand.
The strategy focuses on product diversification and value addition, with aims to increase value-added products' share of exports from 45 percent to 70 percent by 2031. The plan includes expanding the production of geotextiles, eco-friendly packaging, and jute-based industrial goods, supported by research, modern technology, and international market expansion.
Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning, stated that the government is providing policy support to develop promising export sectors, including jute, alongside the readymade garment industry. He emphasized the importance of transforming Bangladesh into a regional hub for investment, production, and exports.
Md Rashedul Karim Munna, President of the Bangladesh Jute Diversified Products Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BJDPMEA), highlighted the need for research, product development, and policy support. He suggested establishing a service center for research and product development to assist entrepreneurs in meeting international market requirements.