Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) exports to non-traditional markets reached a record high in August, highlighting the growing importance of market diversification for the country’s apparel sector.
According to Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data, Bangladesh exported $642.93 million worth of RMG products to non-traditional markets in August 2026, the highest monthly export earnings from these destinations so far.
The average monthly RMG exports to non-traditional markets rose to $611.60 million during the first two months of fiscal year 2026-27, compared with $574.38 million in FY2025-26.
The share of non-traditional markets in Bangladesh’s total RMG exports also increased. They accounted for 15.93 percent of total apparel exports in FY2025-26, rising to 16.32 percent during the first two months of FY2026-27.
Bangladesh Apparel Voice Chief Executive Officer Mohiuddin Rubel said there was significant potential to expand apparel exports to non-traditional destinations.
He said these markets had not received adequate attention for a long time and that Bangladesh should now focus strategically on them to reduce dependence on traditional markets.
According to EPB data, Japan was the largest non-traditional destination in August, receiving $118.67 million worth of Bangladeshi apparel.
Bangladesh exported $75.14 million worth of garments to Australia, $72.78 million to India, $59.57 million to Türkiye and $45.15 million to the Republic of Korea during the month.
RMG exports to Mexico stood at $32.97 million, while exports to the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, China and Saudi Arabia were $28.62 million, $24.24 million, $20.70 million and $19.25 million respectively.
Bangladesh also exported $15.98 million worth of apparel to Malaysia, $13.15 million to Chile, $13.10 million to South Africa, $9.79 million to Russia and $8.61 million to New Zealand.
Exports to other non-traditional markets amounted to another $85.21 million in August.
Bangladesh’s total RMG exports stood at $3.60889 billion in August, with $642.93 million coming from non-traditional markets.
The latest figures indicate that Bangladesh’s apparel sector is expanding its presence in new markets, creating opportunities to diversify export destinations and reduce dependence on traditional markets.
