Bangladesh’s exports surge 13.14% in August amid strong RMG and non-RMG growth

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Bangladesh’s goods exports climbed 13.14% year-on-year to $4.43 billion in August 2026, supported by robust shipments of ready-made garments and solid gains across several non-RMG sectors, data from the Export Promotion Bureau showed.

In August 2025, exports stood at $3.92 billion. For the first two months of the 2026-27 fiscal year, merchandise exports reached $9.16 billion, up 5.43% from $8.69 billion during the same period a year earlier.

Garments continued to dominate export earnings. RMG exports rose 13.92% to $3.89 billion in August, with knitwear shipments increasing 14.88% and woven garments advancing 12.70%.

Non-RMG industries also posted notable improvements. Exports of jute and jute products grew 37.09%, followed by pharmaceuticals at 28.52%, leather and leather goods at 24.85%, printed materials at 24.83%, engineering products at 23.88% and other footwear at 15.29%.

The United States retained its position as Bangladesh’s leading export destination, with shipments rising 26.09% in August. The UK was the second-largest market, followed by Germany, Spain and the Netherlands.

Exports to a number of developing markets expanded sharply as well. Shipments to Türkiye surged 141.03%, while exports to South Korea and Saudi Arabia rose 42.37% and 42.09%, respectively.

According to the EPB, the increase reflected stronger demand in key markets, improved confidence among international buyers, expanded production capabilities and growing sales of higher-value goods.

However, the country’s export sector continues to rely predominantly on garments. The recent growth in pharmaceuticals, jute, leather, engineering goods and footwear suggests that Bangladesh has increasing opportunities to broaden and diversify its export portfolio.