Earnings from the jute and jute product exports have risen by 24.88 percent in the first four months from (July-October) of FY27 compared to the corresponding period of FY26.
The export earnings reached $346.37 million during July-October of FY27, up from $277.37 million in the corresponding period of FY26, according to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).
The development came amid growing global demand for environment-friendly and natural fibre-based products.
Among the major export items, raw jute recorded the highest growth. Earnings from raw jute exports rose to $53.94 million during the first four months of the current fiscal year from $33.21 million in the same period last year, registering a growth of 62.42%.
Jute yarn and twine, which account for the largest share of the sector's export earnings, also recorded significant growth.
Exports of these products generated $216.54 million during July-October of FY27, compared to $165.70 million in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year, marking a 30.68% increase.
However, exports of sacks and bags declined to $53.43 million from $57.72 million during the period. Earnings from other jute products increased to $22.46 million from $20.74 million.
The growing international demand for jute products as alternatives to plastic has opened up new opportunities for Bangladesh. Jute bags, packaging materials, home furnishing products, technical textiles and fashion items are gaining popularity in international markets.
Jute-based charcoal, produced from jute sticks, and other diversified products also hold considerable export potential. Expanding production and exports of these products could help Bangladesh earn additional foreign exchange beyond traditional jute goods.
To tap this potential, the government has taken an initiative to formulate a five-year Bangladesh Jute Sector Development Strategy and Action Plan for 2026-2031.
One of its major targets is to increase annual export earnings from jute and jute goods to $1.64 billion by 2031.
The strategy also aims to raise annual raw jute production from 11.5 million bales to 12 million bales and meet 85%-90% of the country's demand for jute seeds through domestic production.
Product diversification and value addition have received special attention in the proposed strategy.
Currently, value-added products account for around 45% of Bangladesh's total jute product exports. The government aims to increase this share to 70% by 2031.
To achieve the target, the strategy envisages expanding the production of geotextiles, eco-friendly packaging materials, home furnishing products, technical textiles and jute-based industrial goods.
It also emphasizes research, modern technology, product quality improvement and expansion into international markets. The proposed strategy envisages an investment of around Tk 4,750 crore for its implementation.
Prime Minister's Adviser on the ministries of Finance and Planning Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir told BSS that the government has taken initiatives to provide necessary policy support for the development of promising export sectors, including jute and jute goods, alongside the readymade garment industry.
"To achieve this objective, the government is focusing on strengthening the capacities of promising industrial sectors, attracting new investment and diversifying the country's export basket," he added.
President of the Bangladesh Jute Diversified Products Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BJDPMEA) Md Rashedul Karim Munna told BSS that the increase in jute exports, particularly raw jute, is encouraging for the sector.
However, Bangladesh still lags behind in exporting value-added jute products, he said.
He said the country's annual export earnings from jute and jute goods could reach $2 billion to $3 billion if Bangladesh strengthens its capacity to diversify jute applications and manufacture high-value products.
Munna stressed the need for research, product development and appropriate policy support to achieve this target.
He said the government should formulate a well-planned strategic action plan and establish a specialized service centre for research and product development.
"Such a centre would provide entrepreneurs with technical assistance in product design, quality improvement and production technology in line with international market requirements," he added.
