Bangladeshi apparel exporters have reported a significant increase in earnings from non-traditional markets, with total exports reaching US $ 3.97 billion during the first half of the financial year 2024-25 (July-January). This figure marks a 6.42 per cent rise compared to US $ 3.72 billion during the same period in the previous financial year, according to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).
Non-traditional markets now account for 16.84 per cent of Bangladesh’s total ready-made garment (RMG) exports, which totaled US $ 23.55 billion in the July-January period. The breakdown shows that woven garments generated US $ 10.86 billion, while knitwear contributed US $ 12.68 billion.
Countries such as the US, Canada, the UK, and European Union nations are classified as traditional markets, while nations including Japan, Australia, Russia, India, China, South Korea, UAE, Malaysia, Brazil, and Mexico fall into the non-traditional category.
Among the non-traditional markets, Japan emerged as the top destination for Bangladeshi RMG products, with exports valued at US $ 721.50 million. Australia and India followed closely, with exports worth US $ 512.88 million and US $ 427.62 million, respectively. South Korea also featured prominently, with US $ 271.48 million in apparel shipped.
In addition, earnings from other non-traditional markets include US $ 263.08 million from Turkiye, US $ 208.03 million from Mexico, US $ 144.32 million from the UAE, and US $ 130.91 million from China during the same period.
Despite the overall growth, some markets, including Russia, South Korea, China, the UAE, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and New Zealand, experienced declines in export volumes.
Industry experts emphasise the untapped potential of non-traditional markets for Bangladeshi apparel exporters. They recommend conducting in-depth research into local consumer trends, tastes, and clothing preferences to further boost exports.
The EPB data also highlights the European Union as the largest market for Bangladeshi apparel, with exports amounting to US $ 11.81 billion, or 50.15 per cent of total RMG exports. The United States remains the single largest destination, with apparel exports valued at US $ 4.47 billion, representing 18.99 per cent of total exports. The UK and Canada contributed US $ 2.55 billion and US $ 751 million, accounting for 10.83 per cent and 3.19 per cent of total earnings, respectively.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
