United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) exports recorded a marginal year-on-year decline of 0.63 percent to $19.34 billion during the first half (January-June) of 2026, according to the latest figures from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). Apparel export earnings stood at $19.46 billion during the corresponding period in 2025. A sector-wise breakdown shows contrasting trends between woven products and knitwear. Industry leaders call for AI, tech adoption in RMG sector  Woven garments posted a slight positive growth of 0.68 percent, generating $9.20 billion in the first six months of 2026, while knitwear saw a minor correction of 1.80 percent, bringing in $10.14 billion during the same period. Analysing the performance, Mohiuddin Rubel, founder and chief executive officer of Bangladesh Apparel Voice, stated that the latest export figures reflect a resilient yet volatile landscape for Bangladesh's apparel industry. He noted that despite fluctuating global market dynamics and shifting demand patterns, the performance underscores the sector's incredible adaptability and strength in maintaining stable export volumes.

The 31st Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) is likely to begin on January 1, 2027 as the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) on Tuesday set a tentative date for the annual event. The decision was taken at the 149th board meeting of the EPB, held at its conference room with Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir in the chair. The meeting also approved a steering committee for organising the DITF 2027, alongside the tentative start date of January 1. DITF renamed to DTF to combat deception by local agents In addition, the board decided in principle to lease out the fair venue, the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal. The meeting approved the international trade fair calendar for the 2026-27 fiscal year to be managed by the EPB. Under the calendar, Bangladesh has been approved to participate in 50 international fairs across 27 countries, focusing on 12 priority sectors. Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan, EPB Vice Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif, and Additional Secretary (FTA) of the Commerce Ministry Ayesha Akther, along with EPB board members, were present at the meeting.

Bangladesh exported goods worth $4.43 billion in January 2025, marking a growth of 5.7% compared to the same period last year. Furthermore, during the first seven months (July–January) of the current fiscal year 2024-25, goods valued at $28 billion were exported, reflecting an 11.68% increase over the same period of the previous fiscal year. In FY 2023-24, exports during this period stood at $25 billion. Bangladesh's RMG exports reach $38.48 billion in 2024, with strong growth in non-traditional markets The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) released the export performance statistics for the period of July–January 2024-25 on Monday. The latest data highlights a strong upward trend, demonstrating the resilience and competitiveness of Bangladesh’s export sector. Most sectors experienced positive growth during the first seven months of the fiscal year. Exports in the readymade garment sector rose by 12%, with knitwear up by 12% and woven garments by 11.97%. Readymade garments accounted for $23.5 billion in exports during this period. Other major export sectors, including leather and leather goods, agricultural products, home textiles, frozen fish, and plastic products, also saw positive growth, reinforcing Bangladesh’s strong position in global markets. The export target for FY 2024-25 has been set at $50 billion, representing a projected growth of 12.44% over the previous fiscal year. Strengthen export base with more investment:  Dr Yunus to entrepreneurs This ambitious goal reflects the nation’s commitment to expanding its global trade footprint and strengthening its position in the international marketplace, as stated by the EPB in an official remark on exports.

The month-long 26th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) ends on Monday. The ministry of commerce will hold the closing ceremony at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center, the permanent venue of the fair at Purbachal of the capital. Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi will be the chief guest in the closing ceremony. The trade fair did not take place last year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The fair was held at a permanent venue in Purbachal for the first time this year. However, due to the new venue and Covid-19, the gathering of consumers was not as much as expected. Read:Trade fair to continue maintaining health guidelines Md. Iftikher Ahmed Chowdhury, director of the trade fair and secretary of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), told UNB, "We are instructed not to extend the fair time. Moreover, traders verbally asked for extension of the fair time but no one formally applied.” "It simply came to our notice then. So Monday is the last day of the fair. We are preparing for the closing ceremony of the fair. ' The number of stalls at this year's fair was half that of other years. There were 23 pavilions, 27 mini pavilions, 162 stalls and 15 food stalls of different categories. The stalls at the Agargaon fair were more than double than this year’s.

The government has extended the duration of Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF)-2020 by four more days following the elections to the two Dhaka city corporations billed for February 1.