Bangladesh’s export earnings rose 9.80 percent in May compared with the previous month, offering a strong month-on-month recovery despite continued declines on both a year-on-year basis and over the cumulative period of the current fiscal year, according to the latest data released by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) on Thursday (2 July).
The EPB said merchandise exports reached USD 4,402.78 million in May 2026, up from USD 4,009.93 million in April, marking a 9.80 percent month-on-month increase.
Despite the monthly rebound, cumulative exports during the July-May period of FY2025-26 fell 2.55 percent from the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. Export earnings declined to USD 43.79 billion from USD 44.94 billion.
On a year-on-year basis, exports also recorded a decline. Bangladesh earned USD 4,402.78 million from merchandise exports in May 2026 compared with USD 4,737.85 million in May 2025, representing a 7.09 percent decrease.
The ready-made garments (RMG) sector remained the country’s largest export earner in May. The sector exported goods worth USD 3,594.14 million, up 14.43 percent from USD 3,140.90 million in April.
However, RMG exports declined 8.29 percent compared with the same month a year earlier. Export earnings from the sector fell from USD 3,919.07 million in May 2025 to USD 3,594.14 million in May 2026.
During the July-May period of FY2025-26, cumulative RMG exports also declined 3.41 percent to USD 35.31 billion from USD 36.56 billion recorded during the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.
Beyond apparel, several export-oriented sectors posted positive growth both on a year-on-year basis and during the cumulative July-May period. These included pharmaceuticals, plastic products, jute and jute goods, printed materials, home textiles and engineering products.
Leather and leather goods, fruits and crabs also recorded cumulative growth compared with the same period of the previous fiscal year, reflecting Bangladesh’s continued efforts to diversify its export basket.
The country’s major export destinations also maintained positive momentum. Exports to the United States increased during the July-May period of FY2025-26. Bangladesh also recorded export growth in Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, Canada, China, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia over the same period, indicating stronger competitiveness and an expanding presence in international markets.
Despite persistent global economic uncertainty and challenging international trade conditions, the latest export data point to the resilience of Bangladesh’s export sector. The strong month-on-month recovery in May, alongside sustained growth in non-traditional export sectors and positive performance in key overseas markets, highlights the country’s continued progress toward export diversification, market expansion and stronger long-term trade competitiveness.
Source: Export Promotion Bureau (EPB)
