Dhaka:Bangladesh's non-traditional export sectors have shown impressive growth compared to the overall exports during the first four months of the current fiscal year, highlighting progress in diversifying the country's export portfolio.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the country's total export earnings rose by 5.88 percent year-on-year to $17.09 billion during July-October of FY2026-27. While the ready-made garment sector still leads in export earnings, non-traditional sectors have demonstrated growth rates ranging from more than twice to nearly five times the national average.
Chemical products led the way with a 27 percent growth, followed by jute and jute goods at 24.88 percent, specialised textiles at 16.52 percent, leather and leather products at 12.47 percent, and engineering products at 12.44 percent. This performance underscores the emerging role of diversified industries in Bangladesh's export landscape, reducing reliance on the garment sector.
Chemical products, particularly pharmaceuticals, emerged as the fastest-growing sector, with earnings reaching $157.15 million, a 27 percent increase from the previous year. Improved compliance with international standards and expansion into new markets have been key drivers of this growth.
The jute sector also benefited from global demand for sustainable products, with exports rising by 24.88 percent to $346.37 million. This growth reflects the sector's potential in international markets, especially in developed economies seeking environmentally friendly alternatives.
Specialised textiles, leather, and engineering products have also shown strong potential, with each sector contributing significantly to the export diversification efforts. The growth in these areas presents opportunities for greater value addition and technological advancement.
Overall, the diversification efforts are gaining momentum, with emerging sectors significantly outperforming the overall export growth rate. The continued expansion of these industries is crucial for establishing a more resilient and diversified export base for Bangladesh.