Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) exports experienced a moderate growth of 10.64% year-over-year, reaching a total of $26.79 billion during the July–February period of the current fiscal year (FY25).
According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), the European Union (EU) remains Bangladesh’s largest market, accounting for 50.10% of total RMG exports, with shipments valued at $13.42 billion during this period.
Exports to the United States totaled $5.06 billion, representing 18.91% of the total share, while Canada accounted for $845 million (3.16%). Meanwhile, the United Kingdom (UK) remained a key market, with exports amounting to $2.93 billion (10.94%) of Bangladesh’s total RMG exports.
In terms of growth, Bangladesh’s RMG exports to the EU increased by 11.53% year-over-year, while shipments to the USA saw a strong rise of 16.38%. Canada also posted a notable increase of 14.12%, whereas growth in the UK was more modest at 3.74%.
Within the EU, Germany was the top destination for Bangladeshi RMG exports, with shipments valued at $3.38 billion, followed by Spain ($2.35 billion), France ($1.43 billion), the Netherlands ($1.43 billion), Poland ($1.13 billion), and Italy ($1.05 billion).
Growth was particularly strong in the Netherlands (25.06%), Sweden (21.12%), Denmark (14.58%), Poland (12.06%), and Germany (11.03%).
Bangladesh’s RMG sector also expanded in non-traditional markets, where exports grew by 6.23%, reaching $4.52 billion—which accounted for 16.90% of total RMG exports.
Among these markets, Japan led with imports worth $839 million, followed by Australia ($582 million) and India ($478 million). Exports to Turkey ($305 million) and Mexico ($229 million) were also significant, with India posting a growth rate of 18.58%, Mexico 25.14%, and Turkey an impressive 32.20%.
However, exports to Russia, Korea, the UAE, and Malaysia declined during this period.
Despite these fluctuations, Bangladesh’s export growth remains heavily reliant on the EU and USA, which continue to be the country’s primary markets, signaling further opportunities for expansion.
Speaking to reporters, Mohiuddin Rubel, former director of BGMEA, managing director (MD) of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, and additional MD of Denim Expert Ltd, emphasized that the growth in non-traditional markets highlights the need for further research and strategic focus, as these markets hold significant potential to reduce dependence on traditional export destinations.
"The ongoing global trade tensions are constantly reshaping the market landscape, creating opportunities that Bangladesh could leverage—provided we enhance our productive capacity," he said.
Rubel further stressed the importance of investing in backward linkages to strengthen the competitiveness and long-term growth of the RMG sector, noting that maintaining a competitive edge remains crucial in the evolving global market.
