Bangladesh's exports to 11 South American markets reached US$195.17 million in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, as the government stepped up efforts to diversify export destinations through trade fairs and the promotion of non-traditional products.
According to Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data, Bangladesh exported goods worth $195.17 million to the region during July-September of FY2026-27, with Brazil, Chile and Peru emerging as the three largest destinations.
Brazil topped the list with $70.82 million, followed by Chile with $51.87 million and Peru with $24.24 million. Colombia accounted for $18.05 million, while exports to Uruguay and Argentina stood at $11.63 million and $10.28 million, respectively.
The figures highlight South America's potential as a market for Bangladeshi products beyond the country's traditional destinations in Europe and North America.
Readymade garments continued to dominate the export basket. However, Bangladesh's recent participation in Home Show Brazil 2026 in São Paulo also highlighted opportunities for jute goods, leather products, home décor, handicrafts and other lifestyle products.
Brazil fair opens doors for diversified exports
Bangladesh participated in Home Show Brazil 2026, held from 11to 13 August at Distrito Anhembi in São Paulo, with financial support from the EPB and under the management of the Bangladesh Embassy in Brasília.
Four Bangladeshi companies—Jihan Plastic Industries, Mother Tannery, Rainbow Jute and Classical Handmade Products—showcased their products at five booths at the exhibition.
Their displays included jute goods, bags, leather products, natural-fibre baskets, home décor items, bamboo products, terracotta, clay products and Nakshi Kantha.
The EPB and the Bangladesh Embassy also operated a promotional booth featuring information on Bangladesh's exportable products and key export sectors.
Business-to-business meetings were held during the fair, while prospective buyers visited the Bangladeshi stalls and expressed interest in the products on display.
A seminar on the production and export of home and lifestyle products from Bangladesh was also organised as part of the fair to promote the country's products among Brazilian business organisations and international buyers.
The participation provided an opportunity to introduce Bangladeshi products to a wider market and establish commercial contacts that could lead to future business.
EPB stresses market diversification
EPB Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Mohammad Hasan Arif said the bureau was working to diversify Bangladesh's export basket and strengthen the country's presence in emerging international markets through more strategic and professional participation in trade fairs.
He said excessive dependence on readymade garments and a limited number of export destinations could expose Bangladesh's export earnings to external shocks, making product diversification and market expansion increasingly important.
Arif stressed that exporters should conduct advance research into market demand, consumer preferences, pricing, competition and business practices before participating in international exhibitions to achieve better commercial outcomes.
He also underscored the importance of strengthening national pavilion branding, improving exporters' preparedness and engaging directly with international buyers to turn trade-fair participation into sustainable business opportunities.
Garments remain the main export driver
Bangladesh's export basket to the 11 South American markets remains heavily concentrated in apparel.
According to product-wise figures from the EPB spreadsheet, exports of woven apparel and clothing accessories amounted to around $84.53 million during July-September, while shipments of knitted or crocheted apparel stood at approximately $70.10 million.
Together, the two categories generated around $154.63 million, equivalent to nearly 79.2 percent of total exports to the 11 markets.
Pharmaceutical products contributed around $6.58 million, while footwear and related products accounted for approximately $5.71 million.
Other textile products, leather goods and travel articles also featured in the export basket, indicating scope to expand the range of products sold in the region.
Brazil and Chile together accounted for $122.69 million, or nearly 62.9 percent, of total exports to the 11 markets. Their importance makes them key destinations for targeted export promotion, while Peru and Colombia also offer opportunities for further commercial engagement.