During the July to November period of the current financial year, Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the European Union increased by 16 per cent.

Exports to Germany increased by one per cent compared to the same period of the previous year. Exports to the UK rose by 11 per cent. Bangladesh’s apparel exports to other major EU countries like Spain, France, Italy and Netherlands increased by 19 per cent, 38 per cent, 50 per cent and 34 per cent respectively. Exports to Austria and Sweden grew by 48 per cent and 22 per cent respectively.

Exports to the US grew by four per cent. The United States is the largest single export destination for Bangladesh. Exports to Canada rose by 30 per cent. Bangladesh’s apparel exports to non-traditional markets grew by 29 per cent from the same period in the last fiscal year. Among major non-traditional market destinations, exports to Japan rose by 38 per cent. Exports to India rose by 48 per cent. Exports to Australia, South Korea and Mexico rose by 21 per cent, 30 per cent and 49 per cent respectively.

Bangladesh’s export earnings in November were much higher than expected considering concerns over the slowdown in western markets.