Bangladesh exports top $195 million to South America in three months, led by Brazil, Chile and Peru

Bangladesh's push to expand trade beyond its traditional markets is bearing fruit in South America. In the first three months of the 2026-27 fiscal year, from July to September, Bangladesh exported goods worth $195.17 million to 11 countries in the region. Figures from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) show Brazil, Chile and Peru emerging as the leading destinations during the period.

Brazil topped the country list, taking $70.82 million worth of goods in the three months. Chile followed with $51.87 million and Peru with $24.24 million. Bangladesh also shipped $18.05 million to Colombia, $11.63 million to Uruguay and $10.28 million to Argentina.

Together, Brazil and Chile supplied about 62.9 percent of Bangladesh's export earnings from South America, with combined shipments of $122.69 million. The two countries therefore carry special weight in plans to expand in the region, while stronger business contacts and new buyers in Peru and Colombia are also seen as an opportunity.

The other side of the picture is a heavy dependence on garments. EPB product data show exports to the 11 countries remain largely apparel-driven. In the first three months, woven garments and clothing accessories earned about $84.53 million, while knitwear brought in about $71 million. Together the two categories totalled about $155.53 million, roughly 79.2 percent of all export earnings from the region.

Products beyond apparel still account for a small share. Pharmaceuticals earned about $6.58 million in the same period and footwear and related products about $5.71 million. Other textiles, leather goods and travel goods also feature on the export list, and expanding those markets is seen as the route to a more diverse export basket in South America.

Beyond the conventional markets of Europe and North America, South America is considered to hold significant untapped potential. While ready-made garments remain the main source of earnings, identifying demand for jute products, leather goods, home decor, handicrafts and lifestyle products and building new buyers around them could strengthen Bangladesh's position in the region.

With that aim, Bangladesh took part in the Home Show Brazil 2026 exhibition in Sao Paulo from 11 to 13 August. Four Bangladeshi firms joined the fair, organised with EPB financial support and managed by the Bangladesh Embassy in Brasilia: Zihan Plastic Industries, Mother Tannery, Rainbow Jute and Classical Handmade Products. The firms presented their products through five booths.

The Bangladeshi stalls displayed jute products, bags, leather goods, baskets made of natural fibre, home decor items, bamboo products, terracotta, clay goods and nakshi kantha. The EPB and the embassy also ran a promotional booth to introduce foreign buyers to Bangladesh's exportable products and promising industries.

The exhibition created opportunities for business contacts and exchanges between companies, and prospective buyers visiting the Bangladeshi stalls showed interest in the products on display. A seminar on the production and export potential of Bangladesh's home decor and lifestyle products was also held, presenting the diversity of Bangladeshi goods to Brazilian business organisations and international buyers.

EPB Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Mohammad Hasan Arif told the state news agency BSS that the bureau is working to diversify export products and strengthen the country's position in emerging international markets, with an emphasis on joining international trade fairs in a more planned and professional manner.

He said excessive dependence on ready-made garments and a concentration of exports in a few markets can put export earnings at risk during global economic turbulence, which is why finding new products and new markets is becoming ever more important.

In his view, exporters need advance research on a market's demand, consumer preferences, prices, competition and business customs before joining an exhibition abroad. He also stressed stronger national pavilion branding, better preparation by exporters and more direct contact with international buyers, so that participation in fairs turns into long-term business opportunities.

Overall, more than $195 million of exports to South America in three months mark Bangladesh's growing footprint in a new region. With over three-quarters of the earnings still coming from garments, however, the main challenge ahead is widening the product range and adding buyers in the countries beyond Brazil and Chile.