Bangladesh’s exports fell 4.61 percent year-on-year in September, dragged down by a slowdown in readymade garment shipments, which account for more than four-fifths of the country’s total export earnings.

Exporters shipped goods worth $3.62 billion last month, compared with $3.8 billion in the same period a year earlier, according to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). The decline underscores the sector’s vulnerability to softer global demand and changing trade dynamics.

Despite the September setback, overall export performance remained positive in the first quarter of the 2025–26 fiscal year. Between July and September, total shipments stood at $12.31 billion, up 5.6 percent from $11.65 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year.

The garment industry, which employs millions and serves as Bangladesh’s key export engine, has faced headwinds in recent months from reduced orders in major markets, including the United States and Europe. Sector leaders have also cited persistent challenges such as higher production costs, currency fluctuations, and supply chain disruptions.

Economists say the first-quarter growth suggests resilience in non-garment sectors and the potential for recovery as global demand stabilises. However, they warn that sustaining export momentum will depend on how quickly the garment industry adapts to evolving market conditions and diversifies its product base.