Bangladesh exports fall to $4.40bn in May

Bangladesh's export earnings declined by 7.09 percent year-on-year in May, as weaker shipments from the country's dominant ready-made garment (RMG) sector weighed on overall export performance.

According to data released by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) on Wednesday, export receipts stood at $4.40 billion in May, down from $4.73 billion in the same month last year.

The decline also affected the country's cumulative export earnings during the first eleven months of fiscal year 2025-26. Total exports fell by 2.55 percent to $43.79 billion during the July-May period, compared with $44.94 billion in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.

The RMG sector, which accounts for more than 80 percent of the country's export earnings, remained under pressure. Apparel exports dropped by 8.29 percent year-on-year to $3.59 billion in May from $3.91 billion a year earlier.

During the July-May period, cumulative garment exports declined by 3.41 percent to $35.31 billion, compared with $36.56 billion in the same period of FY2024-25.

Industry insiders attributed the slowdown to a combination of factors, including energy shortages, higher production costs, increased gas prices, subdued consumer demand in major export destinations and cautious sourcing by international retailers.

Despite the annual decline, exports showed signs of recovery on a month-on-month basis. Total export earnings increased by 9.8 percent from $4.0 billion in April, while apparel shipments rose by 14.43 percent from $3.14 billion recorded in the previous month.

Several non-traditional export sectors posted positive growth during the period. Pharmaceuticals, plastics, jute and jute products, printed materials, home textiles and engineering goods registered notable gains. Exports of leather products, fresh fruits and crabs also increased, contributing to efforts to diversify the country's export basket.

The EPB data further showed improved export performance in several overseas markets. While demand remained sluggish in some European destinations, exports to the United States recorded growth during the July-May period.

Bangladesh also expanded its presence in a number of emerging and secondary markets, including Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, Canada, China, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

TZ