Bangladesh's merchandise exports reached a 12-month high in July, although overall export growth slowed compared with the same month last year as weaker shipments of ready-made garments (RMG) and processed agricultural products offset gains in several other sectors.

Data released on Monday by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) showed the country exported goods worth $4.72 billion in July, the highest monthly figure recorded during the August 2025-July 2026 period.

According to an analysis by Prothom Alo, the decline in exports from Bangladesh's dominant garment industry, along with lower overseas sales of processed agricultural products, weighed on the country's overall export performance despite stronger shipments of leather goods, home textiles and jute products.

EPB data showed July's exports were slightly below the $4.77 billion recorded in July 2025, resulting in a marginal year-on-year contraction of 0.9%.

During the past 12 months, the second-highest monthly export earnings were recorded in January at $4.41 billion, followed by $4.40 billion in May. The lowest monthly export values were registered in February and March, at $3.50 billion and $3.48 billion, respectively.

Industry representatives attributed the softer export performance over much of the past year to weaker demand in global markets and a range of domestic challenges that affected production and overseas shipments.

The ready-made garment sector remained Bangladesh's largest export earner despite a decline in shipments. Garment exports fell to $3.88 billion in July from $3.96 billion a year earlier.

Exports of processed agricultural products also declined, dropping from nearly $90 million in July 2025 to $82.3 million last month.

In contrast, exports of leather and leather products rose above $130 million in July, up from $127.3 million a year earlier, marking a growth rate of 2.81%.

Home textile exports increased 14.37% year-on-year to $77.8 million, while jute and jute goods recorded the strongest performance among the country's top five export sectors.

Jute exports climbed from $55.4 million in July 2025 to $85.4 million in July this year, representing an annual growth of nearly 54%, according to EPB data.

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