Bangladesh Strengthens Its Position in Global Trade as Exports Maintain Upward Trajectory

Bangladesh is steadily reinforcing its position in global trade, with export performance continuing to reflect both resilience and structural strength amid shifting international demand patterns.

According to the latest available data, the country recorded merchandise exports worth US$31.91 billion during the July-February period of the current fiscal cycle, indicating sustained momentum in external trade. This builds on a strong performance in recent years, with total exports reaching US$48.28 billion in FY 2024-25, marking a significant rise from US$46.1 billion recorded in 2019.

The broader trajectory underscores Bangladesh’s growing integration into global supply chains. In 2024 alone, merchandise exports reached US$58.8 billion, highlighting the country’s ability to scale production and respond to international market demand. As a result, Bangladesh now ranks as the 55th largest exporter globally, as per data from Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), which reflects a steady climb in the international trade hierarchy.

At the core of this export growth remains the ready-made garments (RMG) sector, which continues to serve as the backbone of Bangladesh’s external trade. In FY 2024-25, RMG exports totalled US$39.34 billion, accounting for the majority share of the country’s outbound trade.

Within the sector, knitwear and woven garments have both played critical roles in driving export volumes. Knitwear exports reached US$21.15 billion, while woven garments contributed US$18.18 billion during the same period. This balanced growth across product segments highlights the sector’s depth and its capacity to cater to diverse global markets.

Amid recent geopolitical tensions and conflict-driven disruptions across key trade corridors, early signs of de-escalation are expected to provide a stabilising effect on global commerce. With fears of prolonged conflict easing and shipping routes gradually normalising, global supply chains are beginning to regain predictability. For export-driven economies like Bangladesh, this shift is particularly significant, as reduced volatility in freight costs, energy prices, and delivery timelines could support smoother trade flows in the coming quarters.

“Our reference forecast assumes a short-lived conflict… and energy prices normalising in the second half of the year,” said Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, Chief Economist at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), highlighting how easing geopolitical pressures could support global trade recovery.

The continued expansion of Bangladesh’s export base reflects more than just sectoral success. It signals a broader economic transition, as the country strengthens its manufacturing capabilities, enhances competitiveness, and deepens trade linkages with key global partners.

Industry observers note that Bangladesh’s export resilience has been supported by competitive production costs, a large and skilled workforce, and ongoing improvements in infrastructure and logistics. At the same time, the country’s ability to maintain growth in garments exports, despite global economic uncertainties, underscores its entrenched position within international apparel supply chains.

Looking ahead, the challenge for Bangladesh will be to sustain this momentum while gradually diversifying its export portfolio beyond garments. However, current trends indicate that the country remains firmly on a growth path, supported by strong fundamentals and consistent demand from major markets.

As global trade continues to recalibrate, Bangladesh’s steady rise as an export-driven economy reflects a model built on scale, specialisation, and sustained industrial expansion.