Turkey fuels 9.6pc RMG export surge as other markets stumble

 
Bangladesh’s garment exports to five major non-traditional markets rose 9.62 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of FY2026�"27, but the headline growth masks a worrying dependence on Turkey, where shipments more than doubled while expansion across the other four destinations remained largely stagnant.

The country exported readymade garments (RMG) worth $1.025 billion to Japan, Australia, India, Turkey and South Korea during July�"September, up from $935.30 million in the same period a year earlier, according to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).

The five markets accounted for 56.58 per cent of Bangladesh’s total exports of $1.81 billion to non-traditional destinations during the quarter.

Turkey emerged as the undisputed growth engine, with apparel exports soaring 123.14 per cent to $146.63 million from $65.71 million a year earlier. The $80.92 million increase in shipments to the country generated around 90 per cent of the combined export growth across the five destinations.

Stripping out Turkey, exports to Japan, Australia, India and South Korea grew by a meagre 1.04 per cent, exposing the fragility of Bangladesh’s market diversification drive.

Japan remained the largest destination among the five, with exports increasing 2.61 per cent to $343.65 million. Australia followed with shipments worth $209.06 million, up just 1.02 per cent, while South Korea posted a stronger 8.81 per cent rise to $120.

Exports to India declined 5.37 per cent to $204.96 million, making it the only market among the five to register a fall during the three-month period. Meanwhile, exports to South Korea increased 8.81 per cent to $120.94 million.

The latest figures suggest that while Bangladesh is making progress in expanding its presence in non-traditional destinations, the overall growth remains heavily dependent on a small number of markets, particularly Turkey.

Exports to India and Australia recorded marginal declines of 0.86 per cent and 0.14 per cent, respectively, during September.

Mohiuddin Rubel, founder and chief executive officer of Bangladesh Apparel Voice (BAV), said the export performance across non-traditional destinations reflects both opportunities for diversification and the uneven pace of market expansion.

Industry leaders have also emphasised the importance of exploring new destinations, diversifying products and strengthening Bangladesh’s competitiveness in international markets. 

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association have highlighted the broader importance of sustaining export growth and expanding market opportunities for the apparel sector.