Exports fetched a record $5.37 billion in December as consumer spending centring on Christmas in the Western world returned in full swing after two pandemic holiday seasons marked by health fears and supply shortages.

Export earnings dropped 6.25 per cent year-on-year to $3.9 billion in September, the first fall in 14 months, as the cost-of-living crisis in the western countries took its toll on Bangladesh’s main foreign currency earning sector.