Alam Khan ; Dhaka – Bangladesh’s export earnings have witnessed another decline. In the recently concluded month of May, earnings from product exports stood at $4.4028 billion, marking a 7.09% drop compared to the same period last year. However, compared to the previous month (April), export earnings grew by approximately 9.80%.

These statistics were revealed in a report published on Wednesday by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).

According to EPB data, the country earned $4.4028 billion from merchandise exports this May, compared to $4.7379 billion during the same timeframe in 2025. Consequently, export revenues fell by $335.1 million year-on-year.

When asked about the situation, Mohammad Hatem, President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), stated that garment exports slowed down primarily due to Eid holidays, which directly impacted May’s overall numbers.

Despite the yearly dip, month-on-month figures showed some recovery. April’s export earnings were $4.0099 billion, meaning May saw a 9.80% rebound.

Cumulatively, for the first 11 months (July–May) of the ongoing 2025–26 fiscal year, total export earnings reached $43.7992 billion. In contrast, the earnings during the same period in the previous fiscal year were $44.9460 billion. This indicates an 11-month decline of over $1.15 billion, or 2.55%.

RMG Sector Remains the Backbone

Sector-wise analysis shows that the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector remains the primary driver of export earnings. In May, RMG exports fetched $3.5941 billion, down 8.29% from $3.9191 billion in May last year.

However, compared to April’s RMG earnings of $3.1409 billion, May registered a 14.43% monthly growth.

Over the first 11 months of the current fiscal year, total RMG exports stood at $35.3140 billion, down 3.41% from $36.5552 billion in the previous fiscal year.

Mohiuddin Rubel, former director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), attributed the pressure on the export sector to Eid holidays, US tariff policies, and the ongoing war situation in the Middle East.

He noted that if the government swiftly resolves existing issues in the apparel sector, export earnings could bounce back strongly.

Positive Growth in Non-Traditional Sectors

While overall exports slumped, several non-traditional sectors showed positive growth. Exports increased in pharmaceuticals, plastic products, jute and jute goods, printed materials, home textiles, and engineering products. Furthermore, improvements were observed in the export of leather and leather goods, fruits, and crabs.

Country-wise data reveals that demand remains strong in Bangladesh’s major export destinations. During the July–May period of the current fiscal year, exports to the United States grew. Growth was also recorded in exports to Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, Canada, China, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.