Bangladesh’s export earnings, which powered a robust 9.83% growth to $40.20 billion in the first 10 months of the 2024–25 fiscal year, stumbled in April 2025, posting a meagre 0.83% year-on-year increase to $3.016 billion, up from $2.99 billion in April 2024, according to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).

The slowdown, driven by a lacklustre performance in the dominant ready-made garment (RMG) sector, has sparked concerns about sustaining the country’s economic momentum amid infrastructural and seasonal challenges. As exporters demand urgent fixes, the question looms: is this a temporary blip or a warning of deeper vulnerabilities?

From July to April, Bangladesh’s exports soared, climbing from $36.60 billion in the previous fiscal year to $40.20 billion, a testament to the resilience of its manufacturing base, particularly RMG, which accounts for over 85% of total earnings.

The sector, a global powerhouse supplying brands like H&M and Zara, saw a 10% surge to $32.64 billion, with woven products rising 9.17% to $15.18 billion and knitwear jumping 10.74% to $17.45 billion.

This growth fuelled optimism, positioning Bangladesh as a linchpin in global apparel supply chains despite post-pandemic disruptions.

Yet, April’s figures tell a different story. RMG exports crept up by just 0.44% to $2.39 billion, a sharp contrast to the double-digit gains of prior months.

Exporters point to a perfect storm: extended Eid-ul-Fitr holidays in April reduced working days, throttling production and shipments. “Fewer days meant fewer goods delivered,” explained Abdullah Hill Rakib, former senior vice president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). “We expect a rebound this month, but only with stable utilities.”

A deeper issue looms: chronic gas and electricity shortages. Factories, particularly in industrial hubs like Gazipur and Narayanganj, faced severe disruptions, with gas supply drops halting machinery and delaying orders. Exporters are now pressing the government for uninterrupted supplies to restore the growth trajectory that saw RMG exports rise from $29.67 billion last year to $32.64 billion this fiscal year.

Exports performance of major sector

While RMG dominates, other sectors showed varied performances. Agricultural products grew 4.19% to $859 million, reflecting steady demand for rice and vegetables in markets like the Middle East.

Frozen foods and live fish surged 14.70% to $373 million, driven by shrimp exports to the EU and US. Leather and leather goods rose 10.08% to $932 million, with leather footwear jumping 26% to $545 million, though leather goods dipped 6% to $280 million due to weaker global demand.

Emerging sectors shone brightly. Non-leather footwear, a rising star, soared 31.32% to $446 million, fuelled by investments in synthetic and vegan footwear for Western markets. Plastic goods climbed 19.70% to $246 million, and home textiles edged up 4.25% to $740 million.

Pharmaceuticals, a smaller but strategic sector, grew 3.46% to $177 million, signalling potential for high-value exports.

However, jute and jute goods, once a cornerstone, fell 6.89% to $685 million, hampered by competition from synthetic alternatives.