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 the latest data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), the sector—the backbone of the country’s export earnings—is facing a downward trend across several key markets compared to the same period in the previous fiscal.

The European Union (EU) remains the largest destination for Bangladeshi apparel, accounting for nearly half 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. Exports to the USA reached US$ 5.03 billion, representing a 0.74 percent decrease year-on-year.

Bucking the general downward trend, exports to the United Kingdom and Canada showed resilient growth:

United Kingdom: Exports rose by 1.22 percent to reach US$ 2.97 billion.

Canada: Recorded a growth of 3.08 percent, with export earnings standing at US$ 871.58 million.

Earnings from non-traditional markets took a hit, declining by 6.34 percent to US$ 4.24 billion. 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.