Industry Data

Bangladesh RMG Industry Data — Export Value, Markets & Growth

Key figures on Bangladesh's Ready-Made Garment (RMG) export sector, compiled from BGMEA (Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association) and EPB (Export Promotion Bureau) data. Updated for FY2024-25.

Total Export Value

Bangladesh's RMG sector exported $39.35 billion in FY2024-25 (July 2024 - June 2025), an increase of 8.84% from $36.15 billion the previous fiscal year, according to EPB and BGMEA data.

RMG exports account for over 80% of Bangladesh's total export earnings, which stood at $48.28 billion for the fiscal year — meaning garments are by far the country's dominant export category.

Bangladesh remains the world's second-largest apparel exporter after China, a position it has held for over a decade, according to WTO trade data.

Knitwear vs Woven Garments

Bangladesh's export basket splits into two broad categories: knitwear (t-shirts, hoodies, underwear, and other knit products) and woven garments (shirts, trousers, jackets, and other woven products).

In monthly EPB data, knitwear consistently represents a slightly larger share of exports than woven garments, reflecting Bangladesh's particular strength in high-volume knit production such as t-shirts and hoodies.

Top Export Destination Markets

The European Union is Bangladesh's largest RMG export market, accounting for approximately 50% of total exports (around $19.7 billion in FY2024-25). Within the EU, Germany is the single largest buyer, followed by Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Poland.

The United States is the largest single-country buyer, accounting for approximately 19% of exports (around $7.5 billion in FY2024-25), with year-over-year growth outpacing most other markets.

The United Kingdom accounts for approximately 11% of exports (around $4.4 billion in FY2024-25). See our dedicated clothing manufacturer for UK brands page for how UK buyers work with Bangladesh factories, including GSP duty-free access.

Sustainability & Green Manufacturing

Bangladesh has more LEED-certified green garment factories than any other country in the world, a distinction it has held since the mid-2020s. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification covers energy efficiency, water usage, and sustainable building design.

Green-certified factories typically feature effluent treatment plants (ETPs), solar power, energy-efficient lighting, and rainwater harvesting. Read more on our sustainability and GOTS certification pages.

Why Bangladesh's Scale Matters for Buyers

This scale of production means Bangladesh factories have deep, tested supply chains for fabric, trims, and accessories, which shortens lead times and stabilizes pricing compared to smaller manufacturing hubs.

For a full breakdown of how this compares to sourcing from other countries, see our Bangladesh vs China, Bangladesh vs India, and Bangladesh vs Vietnam comparison guides.

Data Sources

Figures on this page are compiled from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) of Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Bank. Export figures are reported on a fiscal-year basis (July-June). This page will be updated as new fiscal-year data is released.

Industry Data FAQ

How much does Bangladesh export in garments per year? Bangladesh's RMG sector exported $39.35 billion in FY2024-25, up 8.84% from $36.15 billion the year before, according to the Export Promotion Bureau and BGMEA.

What percentage of Bangladesh's exports come from garments? RMG exports account for over 80% of Bangladesh's total export earnings, making it by far the country's largest export sector.

Which countries buy the most garments from Bangladesh? The European Union is Bangladesh's largest RMG export market at roughly 50% of total exports, followed by the United States at around 19%, and the United Kingdom at approximately 11%.

Is Bangladesh the second largest garment exporter in the world? Yes. Bangladesh is the world's second-largest apparel exporter after China, a position it has held for over a decade.

Want to see how SDF Clothing fits into this industry, with our own certifications and export track record? Get in touch to discuss your sourcing needs.

Discuss Your Sourcing Needs

For more on why brands source from Bangladesh specifically, read our Bangladesh clothing manufacturers guide.