Bangladesh’s RMG Exports to Non-Traditional Markets Hit Record

At a glance
- According to Export Promotion Bureau data, Bangladesh exported $642.93 million worth of RMG products to non-traditional markets in August 2026, the highest monthly figure recorded so far.

• The monthly average reached $611.60 million in the first two months of FY2026-27, compared with $574.38 million in FY2025-26.
• Non-traditional markets accounted for 16.32% of total RMG exports in the first two months of FY2026-27, up from 15.93% in FY2025-26.
• Japan was the largest non-traditional destination in August, receiving $118.67 million worth of Bangladeshi apparel.
• Other major destinations included Australia, India, Türkiye and South Korea.
• Bangladesh also exported garments to Mexico, the UAE, Brazil, China, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Chile, South Africa, Russia and New Zealand.
• Total RMG exports stood at $3.61 billion in August, with non-traditional markets accounting for $642.93 million.

Context

Bangladesh’s non-traditional RMG markets refer to countries like Japan, Australia, India, Türkiye, South Korea, Mexico and Brazil where Bangladesh has been exporting garments but where its presence has historically been smaller unlike traditional markets the European Union, United States, United Kingdom and Canada where its garment exports have historically been concentrated.

For years, Bangladesh’s garment industry has depended heavily on its established Western markets. However, the latest figures show that this diversification is gaining some momentum. In August, Japan was the largest non-traditional destination, followed by Australia, India, Türkiye and South Korea. Bangladesh also recorded exports to markets including China, Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and South Africa.

Why it matters

Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector still heavily depends on a small number of major export markets. Expanding sales to non-traditional markets reduces this risk and gives exporters access to new customers across different regions. According to Bangladesh Apparel Voice CEO Mohiuddin Rubel, these markets are collectively worth hundreds of billions of dollars and offer demand for many types of garments, not only high-priced clothing.

Japan became Bangladesh’s largest non-traditional RMG market in August, importing garments worth $118.67 million in that month. Australia, India, Türkiye and South Korea also made substantial purchases, showing opportunities across Asia-Pacific and other regions.

What we think

Breaking past traditional Western borders to hit record numbers in places like Japan and Australia shows that “Made in Bangladesh” has global appeal far beyond the usual markets. However, if compared with the sector’s overall potential, 16.32% of total RMG exports is still a drop in the ocean.