Garment Exports Rise Nearly 10% in First Two Months of FY 2025-26

Bangladesh’s leading export sector, ready-made garments (RMG), recorded a growth of nearly 10% in the first two months (July and August) of the 2025-26 fiscal year, despite a decline in August alone.

According to data released on Tuesday, 2 September, by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), total garment exports during July and August stood at USD 7.13 billion, compared to USD 6.50 billion in the same period last year—marking a 9.63% year-on-year increase.

Breakdown of Exports (July–August 2025 vs July–August 2024)

While the overall two-month figures showed robust growth, August exports declined compared to the same month last year.

• August 2024: USD 3.33 billion
• August 2025: USD 3.17 billion
• Change: –4.75%

Industry insiders attributed the decline to disruptions in trade negotiations following the counter-tariffs imposed by the United States, which led to temporary instability in export orders. However, they expressed optimism that export growth would recover in the coming months.

In the 2024-25 fiscal year, Bangladesh exported garments worth USD 39.35 billion, an increase of 8.84% compared to USD 36.15 billion in 2023-24.

The downturn in August was not limited to garments. Total national exports across all sectors also fell year-on-year:

Thus, while the ready-made garment sector showed strong growth over the two-month period, the single-month dip in August highlighted ongoing global trade challenges that could continue to influence Bangladesh’s export performance in the short term.