Bangladesh’s exports rose to US $4.4 billion in May 2026, marking a 9.80% increase compared with US $4.09 billion recorded in April, according to data released by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).
The ready-made garment (RMG) sector maintained its position as the country’s largest export contributor, with exports reaching US $3.59 billion during the month. This represented a 14.43% increase from US $3.14 billion in April 2026, reflecting a strong month-on-month recovery in apparel shipments.
Despite the monthly improvement, the sector recorded an 8.29% year-on-year decline. RMG exports fell from US $3.92 billion in May 2025 to US $3.59 billion in May 2026, highlighting the continued challenges facing Bangladesh’s largest export industry amid evolving global market conditions.
During the July-May period of the 2025-26 fiscal year, cumulative RMG exports declined by 3.41% compared with the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. Export earnings from the sector fell to US $35.31 billion from US $36.56 billion recorded during the same period a year earlier.
Bangladesh’s major export destinations continued to demonstrate resilient demand for the country’s products during the fiscal year. Exports to the United States registered positive growth during the July-May period of FY 2025-26, while shipments to Spain, Netherlands, Poland, Canada, China, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia also recorded growth.
The performance of these key markets reflects Bangladesh’s continued expansion in international trade and the sustained competitiveness of its export-oriented industries, despite ongoing pressures on global demand and supply chains.
While the rebound in May exports offers a positive signal for the sector, the year-on-year decline in garment shipments and the contraction in cumulative RMG exports underscore the importance of market diversification, product upgrading and enhanced competitiveness as Bangladesh prepares for a more challenging global trade environment.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
