Exports surge 13.14% in August

Bangladesh’s merchandise exports rose 13.14% year-on-year to US$4.43 billion in August 2026, up from $3.92 billion a year earlier, according to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) released on Tuesday.

Exports in July-August of FY2026-27 increased 5.43% to $9.16 billion from $8.69 billion in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.

The ready-made garment (RMG) sector remained the main growth driver, with exports rising 13.92% to $3.89 billion in August. RMG shipments during the first two months of the fiscal year grew 5.12% to $7.50 billion.

Both major apparel segments posted solid growth, with knitwear exports rising 14.88% and woven garment exports 12.70% in August.

Several non-RMG sectors also recorded strong growth, led by jute and jute goods, pharmaceuticals, leather and leather goods, printed materials, engineering products and footwear, indicating growing momentum in export diversification.

The United States, Bangladesh’s largest export market, recorded 26.09% growth in August, while exports to the market rose 11.90% during July-August. The UK remained the second-largest destination, followed by Germany, Spain and the Netherlands.

Among emerging markets, exports to Türkiye surged 141.03% in August, while shipments to South Korea and Saudi Arabia rose 42.37% and 42.09%, respectively.

The stronger export performance reflects robust demand in key markets, improved buyer confidence, expanded production capacity and increased shipments of higher value-added products, alongside continued efforts to diversify export products and destinations.