Country's merchandise- export earnings increased 16.23 per cent to US$4.14 billion in November 2024, according to provisional data of Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).
The earnings were US$ 3.56 billion in November last year.
EPB data also revealed that the overall export trade during the first five months (July to November) of the current fiscal year (FY 2024-25) grew 11.88 per cent to US$19.92 billion from $17.81 billion in the same period last FY.
However, the new format of data didn't show the period's target.
The country's export earnings turned around on a positive trajectory in July, the first month of FY25, with a meager 2.93-percent growth.
The growth sustained in the following months with earnings rising by 5.51 per cent in August, 15.43 per cent in September and 20.65 per cent in October, riding on the performance of the readymade garment sector, EPB data showed.
Though the November 2024 export data for RMG is not yet available, garment exporters confirmed a steady rise in shipments over the past few months.
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) former vice president Mahmud Hasan Khan attributed the growth to deferred shipments of August and September amid student protests and labour unrest.
He however, said they were receiving increased orders from the buyers though the prices still remain a challenge as the buyers are offering low rates.
Talking to the FE, vice chairman of DBL Group MA Rahim said there is a good flow of work orders in recent times.
Manufacturers are being forced to accept orders at reduced rates because of the rise in production cost and capacity and to continue businesses to pay workers, an exporter said.
Exporters, however, were sceptical about the sustainability of the recent export growth and warned that without improved law and order situation and ensuring adequate supply of gas and electricity as well as banking support, future growth of the sector could wane.
Munni_fe@yahoo.com