Bangladesh’s export earnings extended a steady month-on-month rise in December 2025, climbing to $3.97 billion, even as shipments fell sharply from a year earlier amid global headwinds.

Data from the National Board of Revenue (NBR) show exports grew 1.97 percent from November, signalling continued recovery in monthly momentum. 

Earnings were, however,  14.25 percent lower than December 2024, underscoring persistent pressure on the country’s external sector.

For the first half of the 2025–26 fiscal year (July–December), total exports stood at about $24 billion, down 2.19 percent from $24.53 billion recorded in the same period last year.

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The readymade garment (RMG) sector remained the backbone of export earnings. 

In December alone, apparel shipments generated $3.23 billion, matching the overall monthly growth rate of 1.97 percent. 

Both knitwear and woven garments continued to dominate export receipts.

Several non-RMG sectors also showed resilience during the month. 

Exports of specialised and home textiles, agriculture and fisheries, and frozen and live fish and vegetables posted positive growth. Industrial goods — including chemical products, rubber, leather, bicycles, and jute and jute-based goods — also contributed to December’s performance.

The United States, Germany and the United Kingdom remained Bangladesh’s top three export destinations. Shipments to these markets rose 7.14 percent, 18.08 percent and 14.50 percent, respectively, on a monthly basis.

Signs of diversification also emerged, with strong gains in several emerging markets.

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Exports to the United Arab Emirates increased 25.39 percent, while Australia and Canada posted growth of 21.33 percent and 9.13 percent, respectively.

Headwinds and Global Pressures

Industry analysts attribute the year-on-year decline and broader fiscal pressure to a convergence of external challenges, including weakening global demand and the imposition of reciprocal tariffs by the United States.

Rising competition from China, which has shifted focus toward markets where Bangladesh traditionally holds an advantage, along with higher domestic production costs and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, continues to weigh on the country’s export outlook.

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