DHAKA, March 15, (V7N) – Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) exports recorded a 10.64 percent growth during the July-February period of FY25, reaching $26.79 billion in earnings. According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), the European Union (EU) continues to be the dominant market, contributing 50.10 percent of total RMG exports, valued at $13.42 billion.

The United States remains a crucial destination, with $5.06 billion in exports, accounting for 18.91 percent of total RMG shipments. Meanwhile, exports to Canada stood at $845 million (3.16 percent), and the UK market received $2.93 billion (10.94 percent) worth of garments. While exports to the EU, USA, and Canada registered double-digit growth, UK-bound shipments rose by a modest 3.74 percent.

Within the EU, Germany emerged as the leading importer with $3.38 billion, followed by Spain ($2.35 billion), France ($1.43 billion), Italy ($1.05 billion), Poland ($1.13 billion), and the Netherlands ($1.43 billion). Strong growth was noted in Germany (11.03 percent), the Netherlands (25.06 percent), Poland (12.06 percent), Denmark (14.58 percent), and Sweden (21.12 percent).

Bangladesh's non-traditional markets also showed an overall 6.23 percent increase, reaching $4.52 billion (16.90 percent of total RMG exports). Among these, Japan ($839 million), Australia ($582 million), and India ($478 million) were the top importers. Additionally, Turkey ($305 million) and Mexico ($229 million) saw remarkable growth of 32.20 percent and 25.14 percent, respectively. However, exports to Russia, Korea, the UAE, and Malaysia saw declines.

Mohiuddin Rubel, former BGMEA director and MD of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, highlighted that growth in non-traditional markets indicates significant expansion opportunities beyond the EU and USA. He stressed the need for further research and investment in these emerging markets to reduce over-reliance on traditional buyers.

Rubel also noted that global trade dynamics are shifting, creating new opportunities for Bangladesh. To remain competitive, he emphasized strengthening backward linkages and enhancing productive capacity to ensure sustainable growth in the RMG sector.

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