Dhaka: Bangladesh’s Readymade Garment (RMG) exports recorded a 3.73 percent year-on-year decline, totaling US$ 25.80 billion during the July-February period of the current fiscal year 2025-26.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the latest data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) indicates that the sector, which is the backbone of the country’s export earnings, is experiencing a downward trend across several key markets compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year.
The European Union (EU) remains the largest destination for Bangladeshi apparel, accounting for nearly half, or 49.18 percent, of total RMG exports. However, earnings from the EU fell by 5.49 percent, dropping to US$ 12.69 billion. The United States, the second-largest market for Bangladesh, also saw a slight contraction with exports reaching US$ 5.03 billion, representing a 0.74 percent decrease year-on-year.
In contrast to the general downward trend, exports to the United Kingdom and Canada showed growth. Exports to the United Kingdom rose by 1.22 percent to reach US$ 2.97 billion, while Canada recorded a growth of 3.08 percent, with export earnings standing at US$ 871.58 million. Earnings from non-traditional markets decreased by 6.34 percent to US$ 4.24 billion, and these markets now hold a 16.44 percent share of the total RMG export basket.
In terms of product categories, both major segments saw a decline. Knitwear recorded a 4.56 percent decrease, while woven garments posted a 2.79 percent decrease. Mohiuddin Rubel, Additional Managing Director of Denim Expert Ltd. and former Director of BGMEA, noted that the overall performance reflects the ongoing global economic shifts and their subsequent impact on consumer demand in traditional strongholds.