Desk Report:
The government has set an export target of $63.4 billion for the upcoming fiscal year 2026-27. Of this, the target for goods exports is $55.2 billion and the target for services exports is $8.2 billion. The target for achieving 15 percent growth in both sectors has been set.
Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir made this announcement at a press briefing held at the conference room of the Ministry of Commerce on Sunday (July 26, 2026). At the time, Secretary to the Ministry of Commerce Md. Ataur Rahman Khan and Vice Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Mohammad Hasan Arif were present.
The Commerce Minister said that despite global economic uncertainty, ongoing geopolitical tensions and challenges in the international market, there is a real possibility of Bangladesh’s export sector turning around. Initiatives have been taken to bring new momentum to exports by creating a business-friendly environment, facilitating investments and simplifying government service processes.
He said that the negotiations for free trade agreements (FTAs) with South Korea and the United Arab Emirates are in the final stages. In addition, there is a goal to complete FTAs with several other countries within this year. He expressed hope that formal negotiations on a free trade agreement with the European Union will also begin soon.
Emphasizing on export diversification, the minister said that currently, about 85 percent of the country’s total exports depend on the ready-made garment sector. To reduce this dependence, the government is giving special priority to the leather and leather products, footwear, shipbuilding, ship recycling, light engineering and information technology sectors. A specific action plan will be implemented soon for the development of these sectors.
Regarding the US tariff policy, the minister said that there has been no new change in the effective tariff structure on Bangladesh in practical terms. The previous 10 percent tariff remains in place under the new legal framework. As a result, there is no risk of a new negative impact on the country’s exports.
Regarding the energy crisis, the minister said that due to the limitation of gas supply, a part of the production capacity of the industrial sector is still not being fully utilized. The government is working to improve the situation by setting up additional LNG Regasification Units (FSRUs).
He said that the policy stability of the elected government, business-friendly reforms, new free trade agreements and increased confidence of buyers in Bangladesh in the international market will make it possible to achieve the set export target in the next fiscal year.
The commerce minister also said that the door of new possibilities has now opened before Bangladesh. Through integrated initiatives of ease of doing business, entry into new markets and export diversification, we want to usher in a new upswing in the country’s export sector.
