Export earnings up 10.53pc to $32.94b in Jul-Feb of FY25

Exporters lament unrest, gas crunch denying expected growth

FE REPORT | March 05, 2025 12:00:00

Bangladesh's export earnings recorded a 10.53-percent rise to US$32.94 billion during the first eight months of this fiscal year--singularly dominated by apparel sector--although growth potent got stunted for adversities.

According to Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data released Tuesday, the country's export earnings aggregated US $29.80 billion during the July-February period of last fiscal year.

The single-month export earnings in February 2025 were also on the up and up, with a 2.77-percent year-on-year rise to US$3.97 billion compared to US$3.86 billion in February 2024, the EPB data revealed.

However, the new format of data processing devised through the correction of past trade arithmetic didn't show the period's target.

Readymade garment (RMG) items, as usual, overwhelmingly dominated the export trade by recording a 10.64-percent growth in the July-February period.

The sector fetched US$26.79 billion against $24.21 billion during the corresponding period.

Knitwear subsector bagged US$$14.34 billion in an 11.01-percent growth while woven garments saw a 10.22-percent increase to US$12.45 billion in the last eight months.

In February 2025, RMG exports amounted to $3.24 billion, marking a growth of 1.66 per cent from the earnings in February 2024.

However, woven exports saw a slight dip in February 2025, decreasing by 0.44 per cent compared to that of February 2024, according to the official data.

Asked about the performance, an EPB official said, "Despite challenges in certain sectors, the overall positive growth trajectory underscores Bangladesh's resilience and competitiveness on the global export market."

As in previous months, the apparel sector remained dominant contributor, he said, adding that several non-traditional sectors registered notable growth in February 2025 that included leather and leather goods, frozen and live fishes and plastic and agricultural products.

Talking to the FE correspondent, Mohammad Hatem, president of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), said the growth was 'very good' if the current situation is taken into consideration.

Explaining the situation, he deplores that labour unrest is continuing in different industrial zones while there is still scarcity of gas supply and non-cooperation from banks.

Munni_fe@yahoo.com