Bangladesh’s exports decline 1% in July

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Merchandise exports from Bangladesh declined 1 percent year-on-year to $4.72 billion in July because of the sluggish trend in garment shipments.

However, the figure is 12.49 percent higher than June's $4.2 billion, according to data released today by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).

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The EPB said Bangladesh's flagship readymade garment (RMG) sector posted remarkable growth, raising hopes of achieving the export targets set for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

In July 2026, garment exports totalled $3.88 billion, marking an impressive 14.73 percent month-on-month growth from June's $3.38 billion, the EPB data said.

Year-on-year, the sector experienced a 1.92 percent contraction, aligning with the overall merchandise trend as global buyers adjusted their post-pandemic inventory levels.

In terms of export destinations, the United States retained the top position, reaffirming the strong commercial ties between the two nations.

Exports to the United States in July 2026 reached $918.74 million, recording 0.25 percent growth over the same month last year—a bright spot amid the mixed indicators.

Germany secured the second position with exports worth $495.30 million, while the United Kingdom ranked third with $478.42 million.

Notably, Bangladesh's exports to India and Saudi Arabia registered the highest growth rates among major markets, surging by 15.30 percent and 10.64 percent, respectively, according to the EPB data.

With the United States leading demand and the RMG sector regaining strong monthly momentum, Bangladesh is well-positioned to capitalise on upcoming autumn and festive-season orders, the Export Promotion Bureau said in a statement.

Exporters are actively working to bridge the year-on-year decline through new product lines and non-traditional markets, ensuring the export trajectory remains firmly upward, the statement added.