Bangladesh’s readymade garment sector has bounced back strongly as its export earnings soared nearly 17 per cent to US $ 2.4 billion in July. The sector recorded a disappointing growth rate in the recently concluded 2016-17 fiscal year with a meagre 0.20 per cent surge in export earnings to reach US $ 28.15 billion, the lowest in last 15 years.
Of the RMG products, knitwear exports zoomed 17.28 per cent to earn US $ 1.26 billion while woven garment exports soared 16.8 per cent to US $ 1.21 billion, in July.
The US remained the biggest buyer of Bangladesh apparel products. The country imported US $ 323.5 million worth of woven apparels.
The apparel industry of Bangladesh has welcomed the sharp rise of export earnings growth after a sluggish year of shipment.
Faruque Hassan, Senior Vice-President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) attributed the surge in shipments to Christmas (2017), owing to which retailers start stocking products from September onwards.
“Since congestion (at Chittagong Port) has eased and goods were delivered in July, export earnings reflected a sharp rise. To maintain this growth rate, the Government should ensure that Chittagong Port is free of congestion as shipments for Christmas will start from September,” Faruque maintained.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
