Bangladesh鈥檚 exports of readymade garments to its major destinations witnessed either narrow growth or a decline during the July-October period of the current financial year 2025-26.
According to country-wise detailed export data from the Export Promotion Bureau, Bangladesh exported RMG items worth $12.99 billion in the first four months of FY26, a 1.4 per cent increase from $12.81 billion in the same period of FY25.
Exporters said that weak global demand, fewer UD inquiries, and Chinese exporters鈥� push into European Union markets due to the United States鈥� reciprocal tariffs impacted exports during the mentioned period.
In the July-October period of FY26, Bangladesh exported RMG items worth $6.26 billion to the European Union, the largest destination for Bangladeshi manufacturers, which was narrowly 0.22 per cent higher than $6.23 billion in the same period of FY25.
The export earnings from the EU accounted for over 48 per cent of total earnings, according to EPB data compiled by the Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, a private initiative working to promote the apparel and textile industry in Bangladesh.
However, export earnings from major EU countries, such as Germany, France, and Italy, declined in the first four months of FY26.
Export earnings from the United States witnessed a growth of 5.14 per cent to $2.59 billion, up from $2.46 billion in the July-October period of FY25, defying the tariff fears.
The US, the largest single-country destination for Bangladeshi exporters, accounted for about 20 per cent of total earnings.
Bangladesh raised $1.53 billion from the UK in the four months of FY26, 2.72 per cent higher than the $1.49 billion earned in the same period of FY25.
From Canada, the RMG sector earned $442 million in FY26, 10.84 per cent more than the $399 million earned in the corresponding period of FY25.
In July-October, earnings from Germany declined 6.81 per cent to $1.43 billion, compared with $1.54 billion in the same period of FY25, the EPB data showed.
Export earnings from Spain stood at $1.28 billion, those from the Netherlands $722 million, France $663 million, Italy $459 million, and Poland $531 million.
However, export earnings from France and Italy declined by over 4 per cent and 1 per cent, respectively.
Regarding apparel exports, countries such as the US, Canada, the UK, and the EU are considered traditional markets, while other countries are deemed non-traditional markets.
Japan, Australia, Russia, India, China, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Brazil and Mexico are major non-traditional export destinations.
However, despite intensified hopes and strong focus, the export earnings from non-traditional markets witnessed a negative growth of 2.69 per cent to $2.17 billion in the July-October period of FY26, lower from $2.23 billion in the same period of FY25.
The non-traditional market represented 16.70 per cent of Bangladesh鈥檚 total RMG exports.
Among these markets, Japan led with imports worth $427 million from Bangladesh, followed by India at $265 million, Australia $256 million and South Korea $143 million.
However, exports to Australia, India, and South Korea experienced declines between over 5 per cent-14 per cent, EPB data stated.
RMG exports to Turkey and Mexico also witnessed significant earnings, amounting to $100 million and $98 million, respectively, in the July-October period of FY26.
Mohammad Hatem, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said that as the US tariff policy changed the global apparel market, China and India have intensified their presence in the EU.
鈥楾his may increase competition in Europe and in this regard, Bangladesh should resolve several domestic factors, including gas and electricity shortages and challenges related to banking and customs,鈥� he added.
Mohiuddin Rubel, former director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said the scenario in Europe has changed significantly over the last three months.
鈥楥ountries like China, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Pakistan increased their presence in EU markets to offset their losses in the US. Their exports to the EU increased more than the average in the last three months,鈥� he added.
He also said that, as Bangladesh鈥檚 current export growth significantly depended on the EU and the US, exporters should focus on further research into nontraditional markets.
鈥楬owever, RMG exports to non-traditional markets declined by 2.69 per cent over the period, signaling the need for renewed focus and strategic initiatives in market diversification,鈥� he added.
In FY25, the RMG sector earned $39.35 billion from its global destinations.