The country's ready-made garment (RMG) exports have increased. However, a major portion of this growth stems from products that have traditionally topped Bangladesh's export list.
In contrast, the export of relatively high-value garments is growing slowly, with exports of certain product categories even declining.
As a result, despite the rise in overall export earnings, little progress has been made in product diversification and increasing the share of high-value garments.
This picture emerged from an analysis of Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data compiled by Mohiuddin Rubel, founder and CEO of Bangladesh Apparel Voice (BAV).
According to the data, during the first quarter (July–September) of the current FY27, RMG exports reached $10.58 billion.
In the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year, exports stood at $9.97 billion. Accordingly, exports grew by 6.10% or $608 million.
The analysis by BAV's CEO shows that $573 million of this export growth came from basic apparel—meaning nearly 94% of the total export growth was driven by this category.
During this period, basic apparel exports rose by 7.45% to reach $8.26 billion.
The share of basic garments in total RMG exports also expanded, rising to 78.06% from 77.08% in the first quarter of the previous year.
Among basic apparel, the largest contributors to export growth were trousers/pants, sweaters & cardigans, and t-shirts & vests.
Export earnings from these three product categories increased by $201 million, $178 million, and $104 million, respectively.
Combined, these three items accounted for nearly 80% of total export growth.
Meanwhile, children's wear recorded the highest growth rate at 10.19%, though total exports in this category stood at $300 million.
On the other hand, exports of semi-basic apparel saw only modest growth.
This category includes shirts and blouses.
In the first quarter, exports of these items grew by 1.77% to $842 million. Their share in total exports dropped from 8.30% last year to 7.96%.
The picture for high-value apparel is even weaker. Exports of high-end garments increased by just 1.42%, reaching $1.48 billion—a mere $21 million increase over the previous year.
Outerwear exports (coats, jackets, blazers, and overcoats) increased by just $33 million, while technical apparel grew by $18 million.
However, exports of gown-type apparel (frocks, long gowns, or one-piece women's wear) fell by 10.66%, sportswear & activewear dropped by 11.24%, and suits & ensembles declined by 14.48%.
Consequently, the share of high-end garments in total RMG exports contracted from 14.63% to 13.98%.
Key Export Figures (Q1 FY27)
Indicator / Category | Amount / Value | Growth / Change | Share of Total Exports |
|---|---|---|---|
Total RMG Exports | $10.58bn | +6.10% (+$608m) | 100% |
Basic Apparel (Total) | $8.26bn | +7.45% (+$573m) | 78.06% (up from 77.08%) |
Semi-Basic Apparel (Total) | $842m | +1.77% | 7.96% (down from 8.30%) |
High-Value / High-End Apparel (Total) | $1.48bn | +1.42% (+$21m) | 13.98% (down from 14.63%) |
