Bangladesh's exports to Turkey more than double in Q3

Bangladesh's exports to Turkey more than doubled in the third quarter this year, highlighting the growing potential of the Turkish market for the country's export diversification drive.

Exports to Turkey reached $210.54 million during July-September of fiscal year 2026-27, up 100.11 percent from $105.21 million in the same period of the previous fiscal year, according to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).

Bangladesh mainly exports apparel products to Turkey, while jute and jute goods, footwear, and optical, medical and textile-related equipment are also among the products traded with the market.

The strong growth in exports offers an opportunity for Bangladesh to consolidate its position in the Turkish market and explore new product categories beyond its traditional export basket.

Talking to BSS, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) Executive President Fazle Shamim Ehsan said that as the standard of living and income levels in Turkey have increased, workers in the country are gradually moving away from the readymade garment (RMG) industry.

 As a result, a supply gap is emerging in local production, increasing demand for imported garments to meet the shortfall, he added.

"This has created a promising market for Bangladesh's RMG exports. There is an opportunity to further penetrate this market by leveraging Bangladesh's production capacity, product quality, competitive prices and ability to ensure timely delivery," he said.

Fazle Shamim also said that to capitalize on this potential, Bangladesh needs to focus not only on RMG but also on product diversification and value addition.

Further, he mentioned that there is scope to expand the market for high-value garments, man-made fibre (MMF) and technical textiles, as well as jute and jute products, footwear and other promising products.

He also stressed the need to strengthen connectivity and business ties with Turkey both the government and private sector should work in coordination to expand exports to new markets.