News

Bangladesh's exports to US grow 11.51pc in July-October
03 Nov 2026
Source: The Financial Express

Bangladesh's merchandise exports to the United States grew by 11.51 per cent in the July-October period of the current fiscal year (FY27).Bangladesh Investment Guide

According to the latest statistics of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Bangladesh earned US$3.35 billion from exports to the US during the first four months of FY27, up from US$3.00 billion in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.

The US market accounted for nearly one-fifth of Bangladesh's total merchandise export earnings during the period, underscoring its importance to the country's export-oriented economy, reports BSS.

Overall, Bangladesh earned US$17.09 billion from merchandise exports during July-October of FY27, registering a 5.88 per cent growth year-on-year. Exports to the US thus grew at a substantially faster pace than the country's overall exports.

Talking to BSS, Mohammad Hasan Arif, vice-chairman and chief executive (additional secretary) of the EPB, said the performance reflected the growing competitiveness of Bangladeshi products in the global market.

"The United States continues to be Bangladesh's most important export destination. Achieving 11.51 per cent growth in such a large and competitive market is highly encouraging for our export sector," he said.Bangladesh Investment Guide

He said Bangladeshi exporters had maintained the confidence of international buyers through timely shipments, improved product quality and compliance with international standards, despite uncertainties in the global economy.

"The strong growth in the US market demonstrates the resilience of our exporters and sustained demand for Bangladeshi products, particularly in major consumer segments," he added.

Market diversification gains momentum

Alongside strong performance in traditional export destinations, Bangladesh is expanding its presence in emerging markets, particularly in the Middle East and other non-traditional destinations.

According to EPB data, Turkey recorded the highest growth among the major export destinations during July-October of FY27, with exports rising by 82.69 per cent.

Bangladesh's exports to Turkey increased to US$292.15 million during the four-month period, up from US$159.92 million in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.

Exports to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also grew by 15.52 per cent and 12.93 per cent, respectively.

Spain also recorded double-digit growth, pointing to expanding export opportunities beyond Bangladesh's traditional major markets.Bangladesh Investment Guide

Arif said Bangladesh was making progress in diversifying its export destinations.

"Alongside the traditional destinations, we are witnessing encouraging growth in several emerging markets, especially in the Middle East. This will help create a more balanced export basket and reduce dependence on a few major destinations," he said.

Market diversification is becoming increasingly important for Bangladesh, as a broader geographical distribution of exports can reduce vulnerability to economic slowdowns, changes in trade policies and fluctuations in demand in individual markets.

UK, Germany remain major export destinations

The United Kingdom and Germany also remained among Bangladesh's leading export destinations during the July-October period.

The UK ranked second, with exports worth US$1.74 billion, while Germany ranked third, with US$1.57 billion.

Spain and the Netherlands ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, among Bangladesh's major export markets.Bangladesh Investment Guide

The performance in these European destinations highlights the importance of the European market to Bangladesh's export earnings, particularly for manufactured goods.

The US, the UK and Germany together accounted for a substantial share of the country's export earnings during the period, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong trade relations with established markets while exploring new destinations.

Exports to US rise 12.10pc in October

The latest EPB statistics also showed that Bangladesh maintained positive export growth in October.

Exports to the US reached US$756.64 million in October 2026, up 12.10 per cent from US$674.96 million in October 2025.

Bangladesh's overall merchandise exports stood at US$3.99 billion in October, registering year-on-year growth of 4.39 per cent.

Exports to the US thus grew faster than overall exports during the month, highlighting the market's continued contribution to Bangladesh's export performance.Bangladesh Investment Guide

Mahmud Hasan Khan, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said Bangladesh's current tariff position in the US market had given the country a relatively favourable competitive position, contributing to export growth.

"We are in a relatively favourable position in terms of tariffs compared to some competing countries, which is helping our exports remain competitive in the US market. This is also contributing to the growth of our exports," he said.

He added that the BGMEA was working closely with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to address the additional 10 per cent tariff and explore ways to secure an exemption for Bangladeshi exports.

"We are continuing our discussions and engagement with the USTR to seek a solution so that Bangladesh can avoid the additional 10 per cent tariff. We are hopeful that through continued dialogue and negotiations, an appropriate outcome can be achieved," he said.