In December 2024, Bangladesh’s export earnings grew by 17.72%, reaching $4.63 billion compared to $3.93 billion in December 2023, as reported by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). During the first half of the fiscal year 2024-25 (July-December), export earnings rose by 12.84% to $24.53 billion, up from $21.74 billion in the same period the previous year. The apparel sector experienced a 17.75% rise in December, earning $3.77 billion, compared to $3.21 billion last year. From July to December, apparel exports increased by 13.28%, generating $19.88 billion, compared to $17.55 billion the previous year.

Frozen and live fish exports grew by 13.01% to $264 million, while leather and leather goods exports rose by 10.44% to $577 million. Agricultural and processed food exports increased by 9.31% to $596 million. However, jute and jute product exports declined by 8.11%, earning $417 million compared to $454 million last year. Plastic product exports surged by 29.72% to $158 million, while pharmaceutical exports grew by 12.11% to $114.42 million. Leather shoe exports saw a significant 30.80% rise, reaching $532 million, though leather goods recorded a negative growth of 11.10%, earning $162 million compared to $182 million last year.

Artificial leather footwear exports grew substantially by 39.10%, generating $274 million compared to $197 million in the same period last year. Home textile exports increased by 7.85%, reaching $411 million compared to $381 million previously. Exporters attribute the growth to global buyers shifting sourcing from China and Myanmar to Bangladesh. S.M. Khaled, Managing Director of Snowtex Group, noted that these shifts, alongside strong order inflows, have boosted export earnings. However, concerns remain over rising production costs due to increased wages effective January 2025, which could impact future growth. Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, Executive President of BKMEA, added that global events like Christmas and Black Friday drove higher shipments, emphasizing the need to capitalize on increased orders and maintain law and order to sustain growth.