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There is significant potential to expand Bangladesh’s apparel exports to non-traditional markets, with RMG exports to these destinations reaching a record US$642.93 million in August 2026, the highest monthly export earnings from such markets so far.
The share of non-traditional markets in Bangladesh’s total RMG exports has also increased. These markets accounted for 15.93 per cent of total apparel exports in FY2025-26, rising to 16.32 per cent during the first two months of FY2026-27.
According to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), monthly average RMG exports to non-traditional markets increased to US$611.60 million during July-August of the current fiscal year, compared with US$574.38 million in FY2025-26.
The latest figures highlight the growing importance of market diversification for Bangladesh’s readymade garment sector after relatively limited progress in exports to non-traditional destinations over the past two years.
These markets had not received adequate attention for a long time and that Bangladesh should now focus strategically on the destinations to utilise their potential.
“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,” an expert said.
“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 added.
According to EPB data, Japan was the largest non-traditional destination 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 at US$28.62 million, Brazil at US$24.24 million, China at US$20.70 million and Saudi Arabia at 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$3.61 billion in August, of which US$642.93 million came from non-traditional markets.
The latest figures suggest that diversification of export destinations is gaining momentum, creating opportunities for Bangladesh to strengthen its apparel presence in new markets and reduce its 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 underscore the potential for expanding Bangladesh’s RMG export base.
