Bangladesh’s export sector continues to show resilience despite mounting global economic challenges, with total merchandise shipments reaching $3.48 billion in March 2026.
During the first nine months of the current fiscal year (July-March), overall export earnings stood at $35.39 billion. Although this marks a moderate decline compared to the same period last year, the figures highlight the sector’s ability to sustain momentum amid a difficult global environment.
Month-on-month performance remained relatively steady, with March exports slipping only 0.42 per cent from February. However, year-on-year data shows a sharper drop, mainly due to a high base in the previous year and changing global market dynamics. In March 2025, exports had reached $4.25 billion.
The ready-made garment (RMG) sector, which continues to dominate Bangladesh’s export earnings, recorded a noticeable decline. Apparel exports fell by 19.35 per cent year-on-year, dropping to $2.78 billion in March 2026 from $3.45 billion a year earlier. Over the July–March period, the sector generated $28.58 billion, down 5.51 per cent from the previous fiscal year.
Most major export sectors registered negative growth during the period, though a few - such as frozen and live fish, leather and leather goods, and engineering products - posted gains.
Analysts attribute the overall slowdown to global uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which have driven up energy costs and weakened consumer demand in key markets like the European Union, the United States and Southeast Asia.
Despite these challenges, Bangladesh’s export sector continues to maintain significant volume, reflecting its underlying strength and adaptability in a volatile global landscape.
