Bangladesh’s merchandise exports grew by 11.45% year-on-year in May 2025, reaching US$4.73 billion, driven largely by the ready-made garment (RMG) sector, according to Export Promotion Bureau data released Tuesday.

RMG exports alone contributed US$3.91 billion, up 11.85% from US$3.50 billion in May 2024. Industry insiders credited strong global demand, though some flagged domestic energy supply issues as a limiting factor.

“The performance could have been stronger without gas supply disruptions, especially in May,” said Mahmud Hasan Khan, managing director of Rising Group and newly elected panel leader of the BGMEA.

Cumulative export earnings during July–May of FY2024–25 stood at US$44.94 billion—up 10% from US$40.85 billion a year earlier. RMG dominated with US$36.55 billion, a 10.20% increase, including US$19.61 billion from knitwear and US$16.94 billion from woven garments.

Home textiles rose 4.78% to US$824.58 million, while leather and leather products earned US$1.05 billion—up 12.55%—with leather footwear alone surging 28.96% to US$620.17 million.

Frozen and live fish exports saw a 17.53% boost to US$410.19 million, led by shrimp exports at US$273.16 million. Engineering products earned US$498.23 million, up 12.40%.

Agricultural exports rose modestly by 3.17% to US$927.56 million but declined 8.15% in May. Exporters cited reduced cash incentives and high input costs as key challenges.

Jute exports dropped 4.77% to US$769 million over 11 months, though May alone saw a 16.79% year-on-year rise.