Bangladesh exports to the US rose 11.51% to $3.35 billion in four months, EPB data shows

The United States has retained its position as the single largest destination for Bangladesh's export earnings. In the first four months (July-October) of the current 2026-27 fiscal year, Bangladesh's exports to the US grew by 11.51 percent, earning $3.35 billion, up from $3.00 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year, according to the latest statistics from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).

The EPB figures show Bangladesh's total merchandise exports in July-October reached $17.09 billion, 5.88 percent higher than in the same period a year earlier. Nearly one-fifth of total export earnings came from the US market alone, and the growth rate in the US was notably higher than the overall export growth.

EPB Vice Chairman and CEO Mohammad Hasan Arif told BSS that the growth in the US market proves the increasing competitiveness of Bangladeshi products in international trade. 'The United States is Bangladesh's most important export destination. Achieving 11.51 percent growth in such a large and competitive market is extremely encouraging for the country's export sector,' he said.

Hasan Arif said that despite global economic uncertainty, Bangladeshi exporters have held on to foreign buyers' trust through timely delivery, quality improvement and compliance with international requirements. In his view, the growth demonstrates exporters' capacity and the sustained demand for Bangladeshi products, especially in large consumer markets.

Alongside the traditional big markets, Bangladesh's position is also expanding in new and alternative markets. According to the EPB, among the major markets the highest growth in the first four months was in Turkey, where exports rose 82.69 percent to $292.15 million, from $159.92 million a year earlier.

Exports to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also rose by 15.52 percent and 12.93 percent respectively, while Spain, in Europe, recorded double-digit growth. Hasan Arif said exports were rising in several emerging markets including the Middle East, widening the market base and reducing dependence on a few large markets.

After the US, the UK and Germany are Bangladesh's biggest export destinations. Exports to the UK earned $1.74 billion in July-October, keeping it in second place, while Germany took third place with $1.57 billion, followed by Spain and the Netherlands.

The positive trend continued into the second quarter of the fiscal year. EPB statistics show that in October 2026 alone, exports to the US earned $756.64 million, up 12.10 percent from $674.96 million in the same month a year earlier. Bangladesh's total merchandise exports in October stood at $3.99 billion, 4.39 percent higher than a year earlier.

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan said Bangladesh's current tariff position in the US market is comparatively favourable relative to several competing countries. 'On tariffs, we are in a relatively advantageous position compared with several competitor countries. This is helping our products stay competitive in the US market, and it is having a positive effect on export growth,' he said.

Mahmud Hasan Khan added that the BGMEA is in talks with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to seek withdrawal of the additional 10 percent tariff imposed on Bangladeshi exports, or a way to avoid its application. 'We are continuing discussions and communication with the USTR on avoiding the additional 10 percent tariff. We are hopeful that an acceptable solution will be found through continued dialogue,' he said.

Economists and policymakers say widening the geographical diversity of export markets is becoming increasingly important for Bangladesh, so that an economic downturn, a trade-policy change or a fall in demand in any single country becomes easier to absorb. Stakeholders see the US growth — achieved amid global uncertainty, changing consumer demand and tougher international competition — as a reflection of the country's capability and international buyers' confidence.

EPB chief Hasan Arif said they are optimistic the positive trend will continue in the coming months, driven by growth in traditional big markets including the US and increased shipments to non-traditional markets.