Bangladesh Exports $195.17 Million to 11 South American Countries in Q1 FY27

Bangladesh exported goods worth $195.17 million to 11 South American countries in the first three months of the current fiscal year 2026-27 (July-September), as the country intensifies efforts to expand its presence in emerging markets beyond its traditional export destinations.

According to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Brazil, Chile and Peru emerged as the leading destinations for Bangladeshi products in the region.

During the July-September period, Bangladesh exported goods worth $70.82 million to Brazil, followed by $51.87 million to Chile and $24.24 million to Peru. Exports to Colombia amounted to $18.05 million, while Uruguay imported $11.63 million worth of Bangladeshi goods and Argentina $10.28 million.

South America offers significant potential for Bangladesh to diversify its export markets beyond Europe and North America. While readymade garments (RMG) remain the region's main source of export earnings, opportunities are also emerging for jute goods, leather products, home décor, handicrafts and lifestyle products.

As part of these efforts, Bangladesh participated in Home Show Brazil 2026, held in São Paulo from August 11 to 13. Four Bangladeshi companies took part in the exhibition with financial support from the EPB and organisational assistance from the Bangladesh Embassy in Brasília.

The participating companies were Jihan Plastic Industries, Mother Tannery, Rainbow Jute and Classical Handmade Products. They showcased their products across five booths.

The displayed products included jute goods, bags, leather items, baskets made from natural fibres, home décor products, bamboo goods, terracotta, pottery and nakshi kantha, the traditional embroidered quilt.

The EPB and the Bangladesh Embassy also set up a promotional booth to familiarise international buyers with Bangladesh's exportable products and promising sectors.

The exhibition created opportunities for business networking and exchanges among participating companies. Potential buyers visited the Bangladeshi stalls and expressed interest in the products on display.

A seminar on Bangladesh's home décor and lifestyle products was also organised to highlight the country's manufacturing and export capabilities to Brazilian business organisations and international buyers.

Mohammad Hasan Arif, vice-chairman and chief executive officer of the EPB, said the agency was working to diversify Bangladesh's export basket and strengthen the country's position in emerging international markets.

He stressed the importance of participating in international trade fairs in a more structured and professional manner.

Excessive dependence on readymade garments and concentration in a limited number of export markets could expose Bangladesh's export earnings to global economic volatility, Arif said. Identifying new products and markets has therefore become increasingly important.

He also emphasised the need for exporters to conduct advance research on market demand, consumer preferences, pricing, competition and business practices before participating in international exhibitions.

Such preparation would help maximise the benefits of trade fair participation, he said, adding that stronger national pavilion branding, better exporter readiness and greater direct engagement with international buyers were also essential to turning exhibitions into long-term business opportunities.

EPB product-wise data show that Bangladesh's exports to the 11 South American countries remain heavily concentrated in readymade garments.

During the first quarter of FY27, exports of woven garments and clothing accessories generated approximately $84.53 million, while knitwear exports amounted to around $71 million.

Combined, the two categories earned approximately $154.63 million, accounting for about 79.2 per cent of Bangladesh's total exports to the 11 countries.

Pharmaceutical exports generated around $6.58 million during the period, while footwear and related products brought in approximately $5.71 million.

Other textile products, leather goods and travel accessories also featured in the export basket. Expanding the markets for these products could help diversify Bangladesh's exports to South America and reduce its reliance on garments.

Brazil and Chile together accounted for approximately 62.9 per cent of Bangladesh's total exports to the 11 South American countries during July-September, with combined shipments worth $122.69 million.

The two countries are therefore receiving particular attention in Bangladesh's market expansion strategy. At the same time, strengthening business ties with Peru and Colombia could open up further opportunities for Bangladeshi exporters.

With targeted market research, greater participation in international trade fairs and a broader range of exportable products, Bangladesh is seeking to turn South America into a more significant destination for its goods and reduce its dependence on a narrow group of products and markets.