Why did garment exports become more important than jute products for Bangladesh?

The shift in importance from jute to garment exports in Bangladesh was primarily driven by the limited economic returns of raw jute and the rapid expansion of the clothing industry in the late 20th century.1

While jute and its products remained a significant source of foreign exchange following independence, the export of raw jute was not highly remunerative. To address this, early industrialization efforts focused on processing jute domestically; however, by the early 21st century, the export value of garments, hosiery, and knitwear had far surpassed that of jute manufactures. This transition reflects a broader evolution in the country's manufacturing sector, which moved toward developing consumer goods to reduce import dependence and improve economic efficiency. Today, garments and knitwear stand as major exports alongside agricultural products and seafood.12