Bangladesh Vegetable Export Growth: Breaking the $100 Million Barrier Amidst Challenges
Bangladesh’s vegetable export growth is finally gaining ground; it is breaking the $100 million barrier despite some hurdles. The country has long underutilized its agricultural potential, but recent developments indicate a significant change. The industry is on track to surpass the $100 million threshold this fiscal year.
According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), the figures for FY26 are promising. From July to November, exports totaled $37.48 million, a nearly 48% increase compared to the same months the previous year.
Drivers of Bangladesh Vegetable Export Growth in FY26
Several factors are fueling this surge in vegetable exports during FY26. The most important thing is market stability. Unlike in past years, when prices were volatile and supply was tight, the domestic vegetable market has been surprisingly steady throughout FY25 and into FY26.
This predictability allows exporters to schedule shipments weeks in advance, free from the worry of unexpected price surges.
Moreover, a significant transformation in logistics has reshaped the financial landscape of the trade. In FY25, the volume of vegetables shipped via Chattogram’s port by sea surged, nearly quadrupling to over 58,000 tonnes. By shifting from costly air freight—priced at Tk650–700 per kg, compared with India’s Tk300—to refrigerated sea containers, exporters can now send potatoes, pumpkins, and beans to markets in Malaysia, Singapore, and the Middle East, significantly reducing costs.
Barriers Slowing Down Bangladesh Vegetable Export Growth
Quality control and compliance remain persistent obstacles to the expansion of Bangladesh’s vegetable exports, especially when targeting lucrative European markets. The industry still bears the scars of past bans stemming from pest problems, and existing testing procedures require bolstering to avert future restrictions.
Furthermore, infrastructure is lagging. The cold-chain network is dangerously sparse outside of major centers such as Dhaka and Chattogram. Lacking sufficient reefer vans and modern packing facilities, exporters frequently rely on overnight shipping to prevent spoilage, a precarious approach for perishable goods. To achieve sustainable growth and move beyond dependence on expatriate consumers, Bangladesh must excel in the compliance and branding necessary to penetrate mainstream international supermarkets.
