Exports to key Asian markets gain momentum

Bangladesh's export base is steadily broadening beyond its entrenched dependence on the United States and Europe, with shipments to major Asian destinations such as China, India and South Korea registering notable growth in the first quarter of fiscal 2026-27.

According to the latest Export Promotion Bureau data, exports to China climbed 9.33% year on year to $225.41 million during July-September, while shipments to South Korea increased 7.29% to $134.55 million. Exports to India rose 5.44% to approximately $510 million, whereas those to Japan edged up to $399.11 million. Meanwhile, overall merchandise exports grew 6.34% to $13.09 billion over the quarter, underpinned chiefly by a 6.10% rise in garment sales. Furthermore, pharmaceutical exports surged 40.39%, jute and jute goods 31.55%, leather and leather products 14.74%, light engineering products 16.51% and home textiles 11.94%, suggesting that growth is progressively spreading beyond the traditional apparel sector.

Read More: July uprising victims seek constitutional recognition and protect

The trend, however, unfolds against a backdrop of enduring structural weaknesses, notably heavy reliance on garments and concentration in a handful of markets. Consequently, exporters will need to upgrade product quality, certification, packaging, environmental and labour standards, and delivery efficiency to remain competitive, particularly as Bangladesh prepares for the post-LDC trade environment. China's vast consumer market, India's geographical proximity and the burgeoning potential of South Korea and Japan present considerable opportunities; nevertheless, tariff and non-tariff barriers remain formidable obstacles. Should Bangladesh pair market diversification with product innovation and stronger trade facilitation, the current Asian expansion could evolve into a more resilient and balanced export strategy.