Bangladesh’s Ready Made Garment (RMG) exports grew by 8.84% in the fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25), earning $39.35 billion despite persistent global economic pressures, according to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).

The European Union remained the largest market, accounting for 50.10% of total RMG exports at $19.71 billion. The United States followed with $7.54 billion (19.18%), the UK $4.35 billion (11.05%), and Canada $1.30 billion (3.31%).

Exports to the EU grew 9.10%, the US 13.79%, and Canada 12.07%. UK-bound exports posted a modest 3.68% increase.

Within the EU, Germany topped the list with $4.95 billion in imports, followed by Spain ($3.40 billion), France ($2.16 billion), and the Netherlands ($2.09 billion), where growth reached 21.21%.

Non-traditional markets brought in $6.44 billion, registering a 5.61% rise and making up 16.36% of the total export share. Japan, Australia, and India led this segment, with Turkey showing 25.62% growth, India 17.39%, and Japan 9.13%. However, exports to Russia, Korea, the UAE, and Malaysia declined.

By category, knitwear saw a 9.73% growth, while woven garments increased by 7.82%.

Although traditional markets continue to dominate with 84% of exports, industry insiders see room for growth in non-traditional destinations.

Bangladesh currently holds a 6% share of the $150 billion global non-traditional apparel market, according to the International Trade Centre, highlighting strong prospects for diversification.