As the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) recently published the country-wise export data for the July-January period of the fiscal year 2024-25, it is evident that Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garment (RMG) exports have experienced moderate growth, with the European Union continuing to be a pivotal market. The EU represented 50.15% of Bangladesh’s total RMG exports, with a total value of US$11.81 billion. Shipments to the United States reached US$4.47 billion, accounting for 18.99% of the total share, while the UK market was also significant, with exports valued at US$2.5 billion, equivalent to 10.83% of Bangladesh’s total RMG exports during the specified timeframe.
In terms of growth, our RMG exports to the EU expanded by 13.91% year-over-year, with the USA showing a robust increase of 16.45%. The RMG exports to the UK, however, grew at a more modest rate of 4.55%.
Within the EU, Germany emerged as a key market, with Bangladesh’s exports amounting to US$2.97 billion, trailed by Spain at US$2 billion, France at US$1.28 billion, and the Netherlands at US$1.25 billion. The growth rates were particularly notable in Germany (13.47%), the Netherlands (27.3%), Poland (13.7%), Denmark (18.56%), and Sweden (26.7%).
Bangladesh’s RMG sector also demonstrated growth in non-traditional markets, with an overall increase of 6.42%, signaling potential for further expansion. Among these markets, Japan led with imports totaling US$721 million, followed by Australia at US$512 million, and India at US$427 million. Exports to countries like Turkey and Mexico are also significant, amounting to US$263 million and US$208 million, respectively. While growth in Japan, Australia, India, Turkey, and Mexico is encouraging during this period, exports to Russia, Korea, China, UAE, and Malaysia have declined.
The continued growth in exports is heavily reliant on the EU and USA, which remain the primary markets for Bangladesh, highlighting further potential within these regions. The ongoing global trade tensions are reshaping the landscape, presenting opportunities that Bangladesh could capitalize on, provided we possess the necessary productive capacity. Concurrently, there should be a concerted focus on investments in backward linkages to support and enhance our RMG sector’s competitiveness and growth potential.
Author- Mohiuddin Rubel, Former Director of BGMEA
