Bangladesh’s export earnings saw a notable increase of 10.53 per cent in the first eight months (July-February) of the financial year 2024-25, reaching $33 billion, up from $29.81 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year.

The rise was primarily driven by the strong performance of the readymade garment (RMG) sector, which accounted for the bulk of export revenue.

The RMG sector recorded a 10.64 per cent in the first eight months of FY25, with earnings reaching $26.8 billion. Knitwear exports grew by 11.01 per cent to $14.34 billion, while woven garment exports increased by 10.22 per cent to $12.46 billion.

However, woven exports saw a slight dip in February 2025, decreasing by 0.44 per cent compared to February 2024, according to the Export Promotion Bureau data released on Tuesday.

The leather and leather products sector posted an 8.48 per cent increase in exports to $757.5 million, supported by a strong 24.02 per cent growth in leather footwear exports.

However, raw leather and leather goods declined by 8.68 per cent and 8.29 per cent, respectively.

Meanwhile, jute and jute goods exports fell by 8.71 per cent, amounting to $547.88 million, reflecting a continued downturn in demand for the sector.

The decline worsened in February 2025, with an 11.39 per cent drop in monthly exports compared to February 2024.

The agriculture sector witnessed a 10.25 per cent rise in exports to $742.47 million, with 7.03 per cent growth in February 2025.

Bangladesh’s overall exports in February 2025 stood at $3.97 billion, marking a 2.77 per cent increase from $3.87 billion in February 2024.

RMG exports grew by 1.66 per cent, while leather exports saw a strong 11.62 per cent increase.