Top 10 Export Products from Bangladesh in 2026 [EPB Data]

Top 10 Export Products from Bangladesh in 2026: Complete EPB Data Analysis

Bangladesh has emerged as one of the world's most dynamic export economies, with total exports reaching $43.80 billion in the first eleven months of FY 2025-26 (July-May), according to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). This represents an 8.7% year-over-year growth, defying global economic headwinds and supply chain disruptions. Understanding the composition of Bangladesh's export basket is essential for international buyers seeking to diversify their sourcing portfolios and capitalize on the country's manufacturing strengths.

1. Knitwear (HS Chapter 61) — $18.78 Billion (42.9%)

Knitwear remains the undisputed king of Bangladesh's export portfolio, accounting for nearly 43% of total exports. This category includes T-shirts (HS 6109), sweaters (HS 6110), polo shirts, hoodies, and other knitted garments. The country's 4,275 BGMEA-registered factories produce knitwear for virtually every major global brand, including H&M, Zara, Walmart, Tesco, and Marks & Spencer. The average FOB price per dozen for knitwear is approximately $36, competitive with Vietnam and Indonesia but significantly lower than China. Buyers should note that Bangladesh's knitwear sector has invested heavily in sustainability, with 215 LEED-certified factories — the highest number in any single country worldwide.

2. Woven Garments (HS Chapter 62) — $16.53 Billion (37.7%)

Woven garments — including shirts, trousers, jackets, dresses, and suits — constitute the second-largest export category. Combined with knitwear, the ready-made garment (RMG) sector represents an overwhelming 80.6% of Bangladesh's total exports. The woven garment sector specializes in higher-value items such as denim jeans, formal shirts, and outerwear. Bangladesh is the world's second-largest apparel exporter after China, and the woven sector has been growing at 7-8% annually. Key competitive advantages include a large workforce of 4.5 million garment workers (60% women), competitive labor costs, and duty-free access to the EU under the Everything But Arms (EBA) initiative.

3. Footwear (HS Chapter 64) — $1.09 Billion (2.5%)

The footwear sector has emerged as a major growth area, with exports crossing the $1 billion mark. This includes leather shoes, sports shoes, sandals, and boots. The government has designated leather and footwear as a priority sector, with the Savar Tannery Industrial Estate providing centralized environmental treatment facilities. Major buyers include global footwear brands sourcing from Bangladesh's 280+ LFMEAB member factories. The sector targets $5 billion in exports by 2030, driven by the shift from wet-blue to finished leather products.

4. Home Textiles (HS Chapter 63) — $977 Million (2.2%)

Home textiles — including bed linen, towels, curtains, and kitchen textiles — represent a rapidly growing segment. Bangladesh's home textile manufacturers have invested in modern machinery and compliance certifications, making them competitive with India and Pakistan in the global market. The EU and USA are the primary destinations, with buyers appreciating the combination of cotton sourcing expertise and competitive pricing. The sector benefits from backward linkage with the local textile industry, reducing dependence on imported fabrics.

5. Jute and Jute Products (HS Chapter 53) — $670 Million (1.5%)

Once known as the "golden fiber" of Bangladesh, jute has experienced a remarkable resurgence driven by global anti-plastic movements. Bangladesh is the world's second-largest jute producer and the largest jute goods exporter, controlling 75% of global jute trade. Products include jute bags (HS 6305), jute yarn (HS 5307), jute fabric (HS 5310), and jute rugs. The global jute market is growing at 7-9% annually as EU, Canadian, and several US states ban single-use plastics. Jute is fully biodegradable and carbon-negative — 1 hectare absorbs 15 tons of CO2 over 120 days.

6. Cotton Products (HS Chapter 52) — $468 Million (1.1%)

Cotton fabrics, yarn, and raw cotton products represent the backward linkage of the RMG sector. While Bangladesh imports most of its raw cotton, the local textile industry has been investing in spinning and weaving capacity to reduce dependence on imported fabrics. This sector supplies the domestic RMG industry, creating a more integrated supply chain that benefits buyers with shorter lead times.

7. Fish and Seafood (HS Chapter 03) — $412 Million (0.9%)

Bangladesh's seafood sector, particularly frozen shrimp and prawn, is a significant export earner. The country is one of the world's top shrimp producers, with the giant freshwater prawn (golda) being a specialty product. The sector employs over 500,000 people directly and several million indirectly. Key export markets include the EU, USA, and Japan. The sector has adopted sustainable aquaculture practices and HACCP compliance to meet international food safety standards.

8. Leather Goods (HS Chapter 42) — $363 Million (0.8%)

Beyond raw leather, Bangladesh exports finished leather goods including wallets, bags, belts, and jackets. The sector is transitioning from exporting raw wet-blue leather to value-added finished products. The Savar Tannery Industrial Estate, with its Central Effluent Treatment Plant, has addressed historical environmental concerns. Buyers should look for LWG (Leather Working Group) certified factories for sustainability assurance.

9. Headgear (HS Chapter 65) — $323 Million (0.7%)

Headgear — including caps, hats, and headwear — is a niche but growing export category. Bangladesh manufacturers produce headwear for promotional, sports, and fashion purposes. The sector benefits from the same skilled workforce and compliance standards as the broader RMG industry.

10. Miscellaneous Products (HS Chapter 96) — $320 Million (0.7%)

This catch-all category includes diverse products such as umbrellas, walking sticks, buttons, and various manufactured articles. While individually small, these products collectively represent Bangladesh's manufacturing diversification beyond the RMG sector.

Key Takeaways for International Buyers

Bangladesh's export portfolio is heavily concentrated in RMG (80.6%), which presents both opportunities and risks. For buyers, this means: (1) the RMG supply chain is highly developed and competitive; (2) non-RMG sectors like jute, leather, and pharma are growing rapidly but have less developed supply chains; (3) the country offers duty-free access to the EU under EBA, providing a 12% cost advantage over competitors; (4) the recently signed Japan-Bangladesh EPA (February 2026) opens new opportunities in the Japanese market. Buyers should diversify across multiple product categories to leverage Bangladesh's full manufacturing potential.

Source: EPB Product-wise Export Data, July-May FY2025-26. Data verified against Bangladesh Bank and BGMEA statistics.