Bangladesh
A Strategic Trade & Manufacturing Hub
Bangladesh is one of the world’s fastest-growing export economies, known for cost-competitive manufacturing, large-scale production capacity, and a young, skilled workforce. It serves as a reliable sourcing destination for global buyers and an attractive market for exporters, investors, and logistics partners.
Region
South Asia
Population
173 million (2024 est.)
GDP
USD 455 billion (2023)
Currency
Bangladeshi Taka (BDT)
Top Export
Ready-Made Garments
Ease of Doing Business
Improving investment climate
Country Profile
Bangladesh has emerged as a global manufacturing powerhouse, offering strong export capabilities, cost advantages, and expanding industrial infrastructure.
- Export Strength: World’s 2nd-largest apparel exporter with $50B+ in annual exports, alongside fast-growing pharma, leather, and light engineering sectors.
- Cost Advantage: Highly competitive labor and production costs compared to China and Southeast Asia.
- Manufacturing Ecosystem: Large factories, vertically integrated supply chains, export processing zones, and modern ports.
- Trade Access: Preferential access to the EU, UK, Canada, and Asian markets.
- Workforce: Young population with a skilled industrial labor force and strong technical training base.
Exports: $50B+ | Factories: 4,500+ | Industrial Workforce: 4M+
Economy Snapshot
Economic Overview
Bangladesh is an export-led economy with strong momentum in manufacturing, infrastructure development, and foreign investment. The government actively supports industrial growth, export diversification, and digital trade facilitation.
Key Drivers
- Export-oriented manufacturing
- Competitive labor market
- Infrastructure development (ports, EPZs, logistics)
- Growing pharmaceutical and technology sectors
Key Industries & Sectors
Leading Sectors
Ready-Made Garments (RMG)
Global apparel production hub Export Value: $45B+ Top Markets: EU, USA, Canada
Pharmaceuticals
Rapidly growing export segment Export Value: $2B+ Top Markets: Africa, Asia, Middle East
Textiles & Yarn
Strong backward linkage industry Export Value: $20B+ Top Markets: Asia, Africa
Leather & Footwear
High-quality finished leather goods Export Value: $1.5B+ Top Markets: EU, Japan
Agro & Processed Food
Expanding halal and packaged food exports Export Value: $1B+ Top Markets: Middle East, Africa
Light Engineering & Plastic Goods
Machinery parts, packaging, consumer goods Export Value: $3B+ Top Markets: Africa, Asia
Business Opportunities
Opportunities for African Buyers
- Competitive sourcing options with global export capacity
- High volume manufacturing for apparel, textiles, and processed goods
- Export-ready suppliers with compliance certifications in key sectors
- Value-for-money production cost advantages
Opportunities for Local Businesses
- Access to South Asian and global supply chains
- Distribution or representation partnerships
- Participation in buyer-seller matchmaking events
- Long-term collaboration for export planning
Africa ↔ Bangladesh Trade Overview
Bangladesh plays a key role in global supply chains, exporting garments, textiles, pharmaceuticals, leather goods, and agro-products to over 150 countries.
Trade Highlights
- Annual trade volume: $120B+
- Export growth: +7% YoY
- Key partners: EU, USA, UK, China, India, Africa
Major Trade Flows
What the World Imports from Bangladesh
Africa imports a wide range of high-quality, competitively priced manufactured goods from Bangladesh. With strong capabilities in apparel, pharmaceuticals, and light manufacturing, Bangladesh has become a reliable sourcing partner for African buyers seeking consistency, scale, and value across multiple sectors.
Ready-Made Garments & Apparel
Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies
Leather products and footwear
Consumer and household manufactured goods
What Bangladesh Imports from the World
Africa offers Bangladesh access to essential raw materials and natural resources that support industrial growth and export production. From agricultural commodities to minerals and energy inputs, African markets present strong sourcing opportunities that complement Bangladesh’s manufacturing and processing industries.
Raw cotton and textile inputs
Leather and hides
Agricultural commodities
Minerals and energy-related natural resources
Trade Benefits & Competitive Advantages
Why Source from Bangladesh
- Highly competitive production costs
- Large-scale manufacturing capacity
- Export-ready infrastructure
- Skilled labor force
- Government export incentives
Why Sell into Bangladesh
- Growing consumer market
- Rising industrial demand
- Strategic South Asian location
- Increasing FDI openness
- Expanding logistics network
Trade Environment & Regulations
How ABBF Supports Business in This Country
ABBF connects international buyers, exporters, and investors with verified Bangladeshi businesses through structured trade facilitation.
Our Services
- Verified supplier & buyer matchmaking
- Market entry advisory
- Trade missions & events
- Investment facilitation
- Logistics & compliance support
How It Works
- Join ABBF
- Submit B2B Match Form
- Get Matched with Verified Partners
Past Events
- Africa Bangladesh Trade Show and Business Summit Ehieopia 2025
Upcoming Events
- Africa Bangladesh Trade Show and Business Summit Nigeria 2026
Who Should Explore This Market?
International Buyers
Source cost-effective products from verified Bangladeshi suppliers
Bangladeshi Exporters
List products and access global buyers
Investors
Explore manufacturing, pharma, and infrastructure opportunities
Logistics & Trade Service Providers
Offer shipping, compliance, and trade finance services
Ready to Do Business with Bangladesh?
Join ABBF
to access verified trade partners, B2B matchmaking, and expert trade support