Bangladesh’s export earnings surpass previous FY in just 11 months
Bangladesh has achieved a significant milestone in its export sector, with export revenue in the first 11 months (July–May) of FY 2024-25 surpassing the total earnings of the entire previous fiscal year.
According to Export Promotion Bureau data, export earnings reached $44.94 billion during this period – exceeding the $44.46 billion recorded throughout FY 2023–24.
This marks a notable turnaround, reflecting resilience in the country's export-driven industries despite ongoing domestic and global economic challenges.
Strong growth in May boosts annual figures
The month of May 2025 played a crucial role in pushing the annual figures past the previous year's total. Export revenue for May rose by a robust 11.45 per cent year-on-year, reaching $4.73 billion, up from $4.25 billion in May 2024.
This growth indicates strengthening demand for Bangladeshi goods in international markets, particularly in key sectors such as readymade garments, leather products, and home textiles.
Steady uptrend over 11 months
Over the July–May stretch of FY 2024–25, Bangladesh’s export sector grew by 10 per cent compared to the same period last year, when export revenue stood at $40.85 billion.
This year, it reached $44.94 billion, signalling improved performance across major export destinations.
Economists attribute the growth to increased diversification, expanded market access, and gradual recovery in global demand following periods of inflationary pressure and supply chain disruptions.
Garment sector drives growth
The ready-made garment (RMG) sector, which remains the country’s top export earner, saw a 10.25% rise in earnings, reaching $36.55 billion, up from $33.17 billion in the same period last year.
Woven garments earned $16.94 billion, a 9.30% increase.
Knitwear exports rose by 10.98% to $19.62 billion.
Performance of other major sectors
According to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB):
Agricultural products: $928 million (up 3.17% from $899 million)
Frozen and live fish: $410 million (up 17.53%)
Leather and leather goods: $1 billion (up 12.55%)
Plastic products: $270 million (up 18.62%)
Leather footwear: $620 million (up 28.96% from $481 million)
Other leather products: $317 million (down 3.39%)
Jute and jute goods: $769 million (down 4.77%)
Home textiles: $825 million (up 4.78%)
Non-leather footwear: $494 million (up 30.25% from $379 million)
Pharmaceuticals: $197 million (up 5.25%)
With export revenue not only recovering but also surpassing the previous fiscal year’s total, Bangladesh’s export sector is showing signs of resilience and adaptability.
As the country prepares for the final month of the fiscal year, the upward trend offers hope for a strong finish—and potentially a new record in annual export earnings.
Analysts suggest that sustained policy support, infrastructure development, and further diversification into non-traditional markets could help maintain this momentum in the coming years.