The country's readymade garment (RMG) exports have shown a downward trend in the first eight months of the current FY26 (July-February).
According to the latest updated data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), RMG export earnings during this period were $25.80 billion, which is 3.73% less than the same period of the previous fiscal year.
A sector-wise analysis shows that knitwear exports stood at $13.69 billion—a decrease of 4.56%.
On the other hand, woven exports were $12.11 billion, which is 2.79% less than the previous year. That is, negative growth has been seen in both major sub-sectors.
Only the picture for the month of February 2026 is more worrying. RMG exports this month were $2.82 billion, which is 13.21% less than February 2025.
Sector-wise, knitwear exports were $1.40 billion, down 15.46%, while woven exports were $1.42 billion, down 10.86%.
That is, the decline in the net sector was relatively higher in February, although double-digit negative growth was seen in ovens as well.
It is noteworthy that there was positive growth in the RMG sector during the same period (July-February) in FY25.
Export earnings in the entire FY25 stood at $39.35 billion, which was 8.84% more than in the FY24.
From FY24 to FY25, growth in the woven sector was 7.82%, while growth in the knit sector was 9.73%.
But that continuity was not maintained in the current fiscal year. Especially in the second half of the year, the impact of declining orders, discounting pressure and weakening demand in the global market is becoming clear.
Industry stakeholders say that slowing consumer demand in the US and European markets, high inflation and slow retail sales have affected new orders. In addition, price competition with competing countries, pressure on raw material costs and energy costs have also reduced exporters' margins.
According to experts, if the double-digit decline like in February continues, it may be difficult to achieve the total export target for the current fiscal year.
The RMG sector provides about 80% of the country's total export earnings. As a result, the slowdown in this sector can put pressure on the macroeconomic environment—especially in terms of foreign exchange reserves, exchange rate and employment.
According to industry stakeholders, market diversification, production of high-value products, ensuring fast lead times and strengthening standards and compliance should be the priorities now to maintain buyer confidence.
Overall, data from the first eight months of the current fiscal year suggests that after last year's positive growth, there has been a clear pressure on ready-made garment exports. The performance in the March-June period will determine whether this shock is temporary or a long-term trend.
