Remittance Surges 38.6% in Early November as Export Growth Slows

Highlights:

$584 million remittance inflow in the first five days of November 2025
38.6% higher than the same period last year
$10.73 billion received so far in FY2025-26, up 14.7% year-on-year
Exports up only 2.2% in first four months, but down 7.43% in October

Bangladesh has recorded a strong rise in remittance inflows at the beginning of November 2025, even as export growth continues to falter. According to data from Bangladesh Bank, a total of $584 million in remittances arrived in the country during the first five days of November. The amount is 38.6% higher than the $421 million received during the same period last year.

On November 5 alone, expatriate Bangladeshis sent $123 million through formal channels. From July 1 to November 5, the total remittance inflow stood at $10.73 billion, marking a 14.7% increase compared to $9.36 billion during the same period in the last fiscal year.

Bangladesh Bank data shows that remittance continues to play a crucial role in supporting the country’s foreign exchange reserves amid persistent pressure on imports. The steady rise in remittance contrasts sharply with the sluggish export performance.

During the first four months of FY2025-26 (July–October), Bangladesh exported goods worth $16.14 billion, showing only 2.2% growth compared to the same period a year earlier. More concerningly, exports have been declining for three consecutive months. In October 2025, export earnings fell by 7.43% year-on-year, totaling $3.82 billion, compared to $4.13 billion in October 2024.

While this inflows offer a positive sign for the economy, experts warn that the slowdown in exports could pose challenges for the balance of payments. The combined performance and exports will remain key in determining the country’s overall external stability in the coming months.

The sharp rise in remittance inflows at the start of November signals renewed confidence among expatriate Bangladeshis and the effectiveness of formal banking channels. This positive momentum in remittance earnings has become a vital cushion for Bangladesh’s economy, particularly as export growth weakens amid global market uncertainties.

However, the declining export trend underscores a concerning imbalance between the country’s two major sources of foreign currency. To maintain economic resilience, policymakers must focus on diversifying export products, exploring new markets, and strengthening the remittance ecosystem through incentives and digital platforms.

Sustained remittance growth, paired with strategic export recovery efforts, will be essential for stabilizing Bangladesh’s external sector and sustaining its overall economic progress in the months ahead.

Source: Prothom Alo