Bangladesh’s RMG exports to non-traditional markets hit a new record

Bangladesh’s apparel exports to non-traditional markets have reached a new record, highlighting the growing importance of market diversification for the country’s readymade garment (RMG) sector.

According to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Bangladesh exported US$642.93 million worth of RMG products to non-traditional markets in August 2026, the highest monthly export earnings from these markets so far.

The development comes after relatively limited progress in RMG exports to non-traditional destinations over the past two years.

The EPB data also show that the monthly average RMG exports to non-traditional markets increased to US$611.60 million during the first two months of the current 2026-27 fiscal year, compared to US$574.38 million in FY2025-26.

The share of non-traditional markets in Bangladesh’s total RMG exports also increased. These markets accounted for 15.93 percent of total apparel exports in FY2025-26, which rose to 16.32 percent during the first two months of FY2026-27.

Bangladesh Apparel Voice Chief Executive Officer Mohiuddin Rubel said that there is significant potential to expand Bangladesh’s apparel exports to non-traditional markets.

“These markets have not received adequate attention for a long time. Now is the time to focus strategically on these destinations and utilize their potential,” he said.

Rubel said non-traditional markets do not necessarily mean markets only for high-priced apparel, as there is substantial demand for different categories of garments in these countries.

“Taken together, these countries represent apparel markets worth hundreds of billions of dollars. Therefore, strategic attention to non-traditional markets is essential to reduce dependence on traditional destinations and further expand exports,” he said.

According to EPB data, Japan was the largest destination among the non-traditional markets in August, with RMG exports of US$118.67 million.

Bangladesh exported US$75.14 million worth of apparel to Australia, US$72.78 million to India, US$59.57 million to Türkiye and US$45.15 million to the Republic of Korea during the month.

Among other destinations, RMG exports to Mexico stood at US$32.97 million, the United Arab Emirates US$28.62 million, Brazil US$24.24 million, China US$20.70 million and Saudi Arabia US$19.25 million.

Bangladesh also exported US$15.98 million worth of apparel to Malaysia, US$13.15 million to Chile, US$13.10 million to South Africa, US$9.79 million to Russia and US$8.61 million to New Zealand.

Exports to other non-traditional markets amounted to a further US$85.21 million in August.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s total RMG exports stood at US$3.60889 billion in August, of which US$642.93 million came from non-traditional markets.

The latest figures indicate that diversification of export destinations is gaining momentum, creating greater opportunities for Bangladesh to strengthen its apparel presence in new markets while reducing excessive dependence on traditional destinations.

The record monthly export earnings in August and the rising share of non-traditional markets during the current fiscal year further underline the potential for Bangladesh to diversify its RMG export base.