Bangladesh’s exports fell for a fifth consecutive month in December 2025, declining to US $ 3.97 billion, a year-on-year drop of 14.25% compared with December 2024, according to data from the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
Cumulative export earnings for the first six months of FY 2025–26 (July–December) stood at approximately US $ 24 billion, marking a 2.19% decline from US $ 24.53 billion recorded in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year, according to figures released by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).
The EPB reported that ready-made garment (RMG) exports, the country’s largest foreign exchange earner, amounted to US $ 19.37 billion during July–December of FY 2025–26, representing a 2.63% year-on-year decrease. Knitwear exports fell by 3.22% to US $ 10.49 billion, while woven garment exports declined by 1.91% to US $ 8.88 billion over the same period.
In December alone, RMG exports dropped sharply to US $ 3.23 billion, down 14.23% from December 2024. Knitwear shipments totalled US $ 1.63 billion, reflecting a 13.74% year-on-year decline, while woven garment exports fell by 14.71% to US $ 1.60 billion.
During FY 2024–25, Bangladesh’s total exports reached US $ 48.28 billion, with the RMG sector contributing US $ 39.35 billion, accounting for 81.49% of overall export earnings.
Despite the overall slowdown, several major markets recorded year-on-year growth in December 2025. The United States, Germany and the United Kingdom remained Bangladesh’s top three export destinations, posting growth of 7.14%, 18.08% and 14.50%, respectively. Exports to a number of emerging and strategic markets also increased significantly, including the United Arab Emirates (25.39%), Australia (21.33%) and Canada (9.13%).
Exporters and analysts attributed the continued contraction to weakening global demand, reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States, intensified international competition, rising production costs, China’s increasing focus on markets where Bangladesh competes and persistent geopolitical and trade-related uncertainties.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan said export earnings had been declining for five consecutive months from July to December due to a combination of factors, including US reciprocal tariffs. He indicated that the negative trend could persist for the next three months, although signs of improvement might emerge from April in the garment sector.
He also noted that the industry was facing difficulties due to insufficient policy support, adding that stronger and more targeted government measures could help exports recover and contribute more meaningfully to the country’s broader economic recovery.
