The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) of Bangladesh reported that ready-made garment (RMG) exports totalled $19.37 billion during July–December of FY 2025/26, marking 2.63% year‑on‑year decrease versus the same period of FY 2024/25. Within this period, Knitwear exports reached $10.49 billion (-3.22% YoY), while Woven exports totalled $8.88 billion (-1.91% YoY).
For December 2025 alone, RMG exports stood at $3.23 billion, reflecting an -14.23% decline compared to December 2024. By category, Knitwear posted $1.63 billion (-13.74% YoY) and Woven reached $1.60 billion (-14.71% YoY
A sector-wise analysis shows that exports in both knitwear and woven categories have declined.
Knitwear exports stood at $10.49 billion during July-December, which is 3.22% less than a year ago. On the other hand, woven garment exports were worth $8.88 billion, a decrease of 1.91%.
RMG exports in particular suffered a major setback in December. As a single month, apparel exports in December 2025 were $3.23 billion, down 14.23% from December 2024.
Knitwear exports in December were $1.63 billion—a 13.74% year-on-year decrease.
At the same time, woven apparel exports stood at $1.60 billion, with a negative growth of 14.71%.
Statistical analysis shows that the downward trend in exports started from August.
Total RMG exports fell by 4.75% in August. It fell by 5.66% in September.
The decline further increased to 8.39% in October. It fell by 5% in November.
In December, the decline doubled, making the overall growth in the first half of the fiscal year negative. Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE) managing director and former BGMEA director Mohiuddin Rubel said: “These export statistics show that the market recovery is not yet sustainable. Especially in December, the big decline in knitwear and ovens—both categories—is a warning sign.”
Industry insiders believe that there is no alternative to securing new orders, handling price competition and emphasizing market diversification in order to achieve the export target in the remaining six months of the fiscal year.
