Bangladesh’s export earnings continued their downward trend in March, marking the eighth consecutive month of decline, according to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).
The EPB reported that export income fell by 18.07 percent in March to $3.48 billion, compared to $4.24 billion in the same month last year.
During the July–March period of the current fiscal year (2025–26), total export earnings dropped by 4.85 percent to $35.38 billion, down from $37.19 billion recorded during the same period in the previous fiscal year.
The country’s main export sector, the ready-made garment (RMG) industry, also experienced negative growth. Earnings from this sector declined by 5.51 percent to $28.57 billion, compared to $30.24 billion in the corresponding period last year.
However, some sectors showed positive growth, including frozen and live fish, leather and leather goods, and engineering products, which helped partially offset the overall decline.
According to the EPB, global economic conditions have significantly impacted export performance. Ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran,
along with instability in the Gulf region, have increased volatility in the global energy market.
In addition, the prolonged Russia–Ukraine war and persistent global inflation have reduced purchasing power in key export destinations such as the European Union, the United States, and Southeast Asia.
As a result, international demand has weakened, and many export orders have been postponed or canceled, negatively affecting the country’s overall export growth.
