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RMG exports to non-traditional mkts surge 9.3pc

Published : Tuesday, 10 November, 2026 at 12:52 PM

Observer Online Report

Collected Photo

Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) exports to non-traditional and new markets recorded a 9.30 per cent year-on-year growth during the first four months (July-October) of the current 2026–27 fiscal year, reflecting successful market diversification efforts.

According to the latest data released by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), garment export earnings from non-traditional destinations reached $2.37 billion during this period, up from $2.17 billion recorded in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.

The strong performance was primarily driven by significant export growth in countries such as Turkey, Japan, Australia, and South Korea, with exports to Turkey more than doubling.

Highlighting the strategy behind the expansion, Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Finance and Planning Adviser to the Prime Minister, stated: "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the present government is actively working to expand Bangladesh's export footings into non-traditional and new destinations alongside traditional markets. Initiatives have been undertaken to develop necessary infrastructure and formulate timely policies to transform Bangladesh into a regional manufacturing and export hub. The government is employing a 'Three-R' strategy to build these capacities and structural frameworks ahead of the country's LDC graduation."

Performance Across Key Markets

Turkey: Turkey registered the highest growth among non-traditional markets. RMG exports to the country surged by 107.05 per cent to $206.5 million in July–October, compared to $99.7 million during the same period last year. The $106.8 million increase accounted for nearly 53 per cent of the total export growth in non-traditional markets, expanding Turkey's share in this segment from 4.60 per cent to 8.71 per cent.

Japan: Japan maintained its position as Bangladesh's largest non-traditional export destination, accounting for 18.44 per cent of the segment. RMG shipments to Japan grew by 2.40 per cent to reach $437.3 million.

Australia & South Korea: Apparel exports to Australia rose by 3.01 per cent to $264 million, while shipments to South Korea expanded by 5.82 per cent to $151.3 million.

India: Conversely, garment exports to neighboring India declined by 5.38 per cent, falling to $250.9 million.

Other Non-Traditional Destinations: Shipments to countries outside the top five non-traditional markets registered an 8.48 per cent growth, fetching $1.06 billion, which represents 44.76 per cent of total non-traditional exports.

In the single month of October 2026, RMG exports to non-traditional markets grew by 8.99 per cent year-on-year to $559.7 million. Exports to Turkey surged 75.96 per cent to $59.8 million during the month, positioning it right behind Japan, which imported garments worth $93.7 million (up 1.64 per cent).

Meanwhile, October exports to Australia expanded by 11.32 per cent to $55 million, whereas shipments to India and South Korea fell by 5.41 per cent ($45.9 million) and 4.60 per cent ($30.4 million), respectively.

Industry stakeholders noted that sustained growth in non-traditional destinations—particularly major markets like Japan and Turkey—will reduce reliance on a few traditional buyers and bolster Bangladesh's global export competitiveness following its transition from LDC status.

-BSS/SA