Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), Former President, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), highlights, many factories in Bangladesh are still struggling with limited work orders, despite an uptick in the country’s garment exports. Between July and Oct 2024, Bangladesh’s garment exports rose by 22.8 per cent to $12.81 billion, largely attributed to a quick recovery from shipment disruptions caused by recent student protests.

Data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) shows, knitwear exports from the country increased by 12.08 per cent to $7.2 billion, while woven garment exports rose 10.48 per cent to $5.6 billion. The country’s leather and leather goods sector also performed well, with exports increasing by 9.82 per cent to $372.24 million. Non-leather footwear exports expanded by 36.04 per cent to $167.11 million.

Meanwhile, home textile exports grew by 1.31 per cent to $254.94 million as international retailers and brands ramped up orders. However, exports of jute and jute goods lowered by 13.7 per cent to $264.81 million, a decline linked to anti-dumping duties imposed by India, the largest export market for Bangladeshi jute. Additionally, exports to Russia—a significant market for Bangladeshi jute products—have been affected by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.