Bangladesh’s ready-made garment exports slipped 0.63% to $19.34 billion in the first half of 2026, according to the latest data from the Export Promotion Bureau, as a modest gain in woven apparel failed to offset a steeper pullback in knitwear shipments. Read Here
The January-June figure compares with $19.46 billion earned during the same period of 2025. Woven garments generated $9.20 billion, up 0.68% year-on-year, while knitwear brought in $10.14 billion, down 1.80%, EPB data showed.
Mohiuddin Rubel, founder and chief executive officer of Bangladesh Apparel Voice, said the figures point to a resilient yet volatile landscape for the country’s apparel industry, reflecting adaptability in holding export volumes broadly steady despite fluctuating global demand.
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The calendar-year data follow EPB figures for the July 2025-June 2026 fiscal year showing total RMG exports of $38.70 billion, down 1.64%, the sector’s second consecutive fiscal year of contraction. Shipments rebounded sharply in June, though analysts attributed the jump to a low base effect from a holiday-shortened June 2025.
Exporters have contended with softer EU retail demand, inflation-driven caution among Western consumers, and rising domestic costs including higher electricity tariffs and energy shortages, alongside competitive pressure from rival exporters redirecting volumes toward Europe amid shifting US tariff structures.
The garment sector accounts for more than 80% of Bangladesh’s merchandise export earnings and employs an estimated four million workers, mostly women. Manufacturers’ associations continue pressing the government to restore cash incentives scaled back under IMF-linked commitments, warning smaller mills could otherwise be forced to close.