Bangladesh’s export earnings suffered a setback in November, with the country earning $3.89 billion in November 2025 — a 5.54 per cent decline from $4.12 billion in the same month a year earlier, according to the Export Promotion Bureau data released on December 4.

The country’s total exports during July–November of FY2025-26 stood at $20.03 billion, marking a slight 0.62 per cent rise from $19.91 billion recorded during the same period a year earlier.

The ready-made garment (RMG) sector earned $16.13 billion in the first five months, posting a negligible year-on-year rise of 0.09 per cent.

Within the apparel category, performance remained mixed. Knitwear exports fell by 1.0 per cent to $8.86 billion, reflecting weaker demand in key markets, while woven garment exports increased by 1.44 per cent to $7.28 billion.

In November alone, the RMG sector brought in $3.14 billion, which represents a 5.0 per cent decline from November 2024.

Knitwear exports dropped by 6.89 per cent year-on-year for the month, and woven garments declined by 2.90 per cent.

EPB, however, said that among key export destinations, the United States and the United Kingdom maintained their leading positions, achieving growth rates of 4.20 per cent and 3.04 per cent, respectively, in the July–November period of FY26.

Exports to several emerging and strategic markets also rose significantly — China (23.83 per cent), Poland (11.57 per cent), Saudi Arabia (11.34 per cent), and Spain (10.46 per cent) — reflecting Bangladesh’s expanding global market footprint.

Home textile exports saw some improvement during July–November, rising 5.68 per cent to $345.40 million compared with last year.

However, November data reflected underlying market weaknesses, as earnings dropped to $66.32 million, down 7.75 per cent from the same month in 2024.

In contrast, the leather and leather goods sector in July–November of FY26 delivered a stronger performance, with earnings reaching $512.49 million, an increase of 9.88 per cent year-on-year.

Leather products surged by 21.03 per cent, while leather footwear grew by 6.15 per cent.

November exports for this sector rose 5.14 per cent year-on-year to $98.99 million, driven primarily by higher orders for footwear.

Traditional exports such as jute and jute goods showed slight improvement in the July–November period, generating $346.34 million, up 1.36 per cent year-on-year.

Yet November earnings fell sharply by 10.30 per cent, reflecting reduced demand in key importing countries.

Agricultural products, which had been performing strongly in previous years, witnessed a significant setback, declining 6.81 per cent year-on-year to $461.63 million in the first five months of FY26.

November exports plunged 24.68 per cent to $82.78 million, making the sector one of the hardest-hit categories.

Exports of frozen and live fish grew 6.97 per cent to $211.89 million over the five-month period, but November shipments showed a 9.31 per cent decline.

The pharmaceuticals sector saw moderate growth of 2.95 per cent year-on-year between July and November, though monthly exports in November fell 8.71 per cent from the previous year.

Meanwhile, specialised textiles experienced a decline of 6.16 per cent during the period, with November earnings also dropping 11.44 per cent year-on-year.

The engineering products sector saw export earnings surge by 30.11 per cent to $267.76 million between July and November.

Impressively, the sector also recorded an 11.97 per cent increase in November exports compared with the same month last year.

However, the plastic products sector struggled, with earnings falling 6.81 per cent in July–November and November exports declining 15.49 per cent year-on-year.

Despite the slight overall growth in the July–November period, Bangladesh’s export performance in November 2025 paints a more challenging picture.

The country earned $3.89 billion in November, a 5.54 per cent decrease from $4.12 billion in November 2024.