United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s merchandise export earnings grew 6.34 percent to US$ 13.094 billion in the first quarter (July-September) of the current fiscal year 2026-27, according to the latest data released by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). During the corresponding period of FY26, export earnings stood at $ 12.313 billion. In September 2026 alone, single-month export earnings rose 8.54 percent year-on-year to $3.937 billion, up from $3.627 billion in September 2025. The ready-made garment (RMG) sector, the major driver of the country’s export earnings, maintained its leading role, earning $10.578 billion during the July-September period, marking a 6.10 percent growth over $ 9.970 billion earned in the same period of the previous fiscal year. In September, RMG exports registered an 8.56 percent growth, reaching $ 3.082 billion, up from $2.839 billion in September 2025. Within the RMG sector, knitwear exports grew by 6.88 percent to $ 5.963 billion during the first quarter, while woven garment exports increased by 5.11 percent to $ 4.614 billion. In September, knitwear and woven exports achieved year-on-year growth of 8.58 percent and 8.54 percent, respectively. Several non-RMG sectors also exhibited strong momentum. The pharmaceutical sector recorded a remarkable 40.39 percent cumulative growth, achieving a notable 64.33 percent year-on-year growth in September. Jute and jute goods exports posted a cumulative growth of 31.55 percent (and 22.72 percent in September), while leather and leather products grew by 14.74 percent cumulatively (and 20.19 percent in September). Light engineering posted a 16.51 percent cumulative growth, and home textiles grew by 11.94 percent during the quarter. However, agricultural products as well as frozen and live fish experienced negative growth during the three months. Among destination countries, the United States remained Bangladesh’s largest single export market, importing goods worth $ 2.591 billion during the July–September period, up 11.34 percent from $ 2.327 billion during the same period last year. The United Kingdom ranked second with imports of $1.370 billion, followed by Germany with $ 1.218 billion. India and Japan ranked sixth and ninth among major export destinations, respectively, both maintaining positive growth. Among emerging markets, Türkiye posted the highest growth among major destinations, with exports rising by 100.11 percent from $105.21 million to $ 210.54 million during the July-September period. The latest export performance reflects the resilience of Bangladesh’s export sector, the sustained confidence of international buyers, and the collective efforts of exporters, workers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders, said an EPB official. The EPB remains committed to supporting export diversification, market expansion, product upgrading, and trade facilitation initiatives to sustain export growth and achieve the country’s long-term export objectives, he pointed out.