Exports surge by 5.70% in January
In January, Bangladesh recorded a significant increase in export earnings, reaching $4.436 billion—a 5.70% rise compared to the same month last year.
This update was revealed in the latest report issued by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) on Monday (January 3).
According to the EPB report, the country witnessed robust growth in export revenue during January. The total export income for January 2025 stood at $4.436 billion, marking an improvement from $4.197 billion earned in January 2024.
The upward trend extends beyond just January, with exports showing impressive growth over the first seven months (July–January) of the current fiscal year. Goods worth $28 billion were exported during this period, representing an 11.68% increase compared to the same timeframe in the previous fiscal year (FY 2023-24), when exports totalled $25 billion.
Sector-wise growth
Most sectors contributed positively to the export surge, with several key industries registering notable growth:
Ready-Made Garments (RMG): The backbone of Bangladesh's export sector continued its strong performance, growing by 12%. Exports of knitwear and woven garments saw a combined growth of 11.97%, with RMG exports totaling $23.5 billion during the review period.
Plastic Products: Recorded a substantial 24.22% growth, reflecting increased demand for Bangladeshi-made plastic goods globally.
Leather: Achieved an 8.08% growth, underscoring the resilience of the leather industry despite global economic challenges.
Processed Foods: Grew by 11.69%, highlighting the potential of value-added food products in international markets.
Agricultural Products: Showed a healthy 10.59% growth, indicating improved competitiveness in this sector.
Frozen Foods: Experienced a robust 13.19% growth, driven by rising demand for high-quality frozen seafood and other perishable items.
However, not all sectors performed equally well. Jute products faced a decline, recording an 8.35% negative growth, signalling ongoing challenges in this traditional export segment.
Positive outlook for the economy
The encouraging export figures reflect Bangladesh's continued progress in diversifying its export basket and strengthening its position as a leading global supplier. The ready-made garment sector remains the primary driver of growth, but emerging sectors such as plastics, processed foods, and frozen goods are increasingly contributing to the country's economic success.
This growth is particularly noteworthy given the uncertain global economic environment, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of Bangladeshi exporters. As the government and private sector continue to focus on improving productivity, quality, and market access, there is optimism that these positive trends will persist throughout the fiscal year.
