Dhaka: The country’s readymade garment (RMG) exports have shown a positive trend during the July-April period of the current fiscal year, amounting to $32.64 billion and reflecting a 10 percent growth.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Export Promotion Bureau’s (EPB) latest country-wise export data for Bangladesh from July to April 2024-25 reveals that the European Union has emerged as a pivotal market, contributing 49.78% to the total RMG exports, valued at $16.25 billion. The United States recorded RMG exports worth $6.23 billion, accounting for 19.09% of the total share. Canada and the UK also played notable roles, with contributions of $1.05 billion and $3.63 billion, respectively.
The EPB statistics showed that the EU market experienced a 10.55% increase, while the USA market saw a growth of 15.75%. Canada and the UK markets displayed growth rates of 13.86% and 3.41%, respectively. Within the EU market, Germany stood out as the largest importer of RMG from Bangladesh, with the country’s exports reaching $4.08 billion. Spain and France followed closely, with export values of $2.85 billion and $1.78 billion, respectively. Remarkable growth rates were seen in countries like the Netherlands (22.90%) and Sweden (19.67%).
Furthermore, Bangladesh’s RMG exports to non-traditional markets increased by 6.25%, totaling $5.48 billion with a 16.79% market share. Japan, Australia, and India emerged as prominent markets in this segment, with India registering a growth rate of 18.85% and Japan at 10.41%. The knitwear sector grew by 10.74%, while the woven sector increased by 9.17%.
Talking to BSS, Mohiuddin Rubel, former director of BGMEA, Additional Managing Director of Denim Expert Ltd., and Managing Director of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, mentioned that the ongoing global trade conflicts present new opportunities for Bangladesh to explore. “More focus on non-traditional markets is essential for diversifying exports,” he added.