Despite prevailing global economic headwinds, Bangladesh's RMG exports grew by 8.84 per cent to $39.35 billion in FY25. This robust performance underscores the country's pivotal role in the international apparel market.
The European Union (EU) remained the dominant destination for Bangladeshi RMG, accounting for a substantial 50.10 per cent of total exports, valued at $19.71 billion. Netherlands led by 21.21 per cent growth in exports followed by Sweden at 16.41 per cent, Poland 9.77 per cent, and Germany 9.47 per cent export. Germany emerged as the largest individual EU market, with imports worth $4.95 billion worth of Bangladeshi RMG.
Bangladesh’s exports to the United States also increased by 13.79 per cent to $7.54 billion. Imports by Canada's grew by 12.07 per cent to $1.30 billion, while the UK experienced a more modest 3.68 per cent growth, totaling $4.35 billion.
Beyond traditional markets, Bangladesh's RMG exports to non-traditional markets expanded by 5.61 per cent, reaching $6.44 billion. Notably, exports to Turkey increased by 25.62 per cent, India by 17.39 per cent, and Japan by 9.13 per cent. However, some non-traditional markets like Russia, Korea, the UAE, and Malaysia saw a decline in Bangladeshi apparel exports.
Within the apparel industry itself, the knitwear sector showed remarkable growth at 9.73 per cent, with the woven sector also contributing positively with a 7.82 per cent increase. Industry insiders note, the global landscape, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, has presented continuous new challenges, yet Bangladesh's export performance in traditional markets remains robust, holding an impressive 84 per cent share of total apparel exports.
While non-traditional markets currently account for a more modest 16 per cent, the International Trade Centre (ITC) highlights that the global apparel market reached approximately $500 billion in 2024, with non-traditional markets comprising about $150 billion. Bangladesh, with its current 6 per cent share in this segment, holds significant potential for further expansion.
