diff --git a/cmd/ctr/commands/images/export.go b/cmd/ctr/commands/images/export.go
index 67f8361eb..41d8893b6 100644
--- a/cmd/ctr/commands/images/export.go
+++ b/cmd/ctr/commands/images/export.go
@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ When '--all-platforms' is given all images in a manifest list must be available.
 		} else {
 			w, err = os.Create(out)
 			if err != nil {
-				return nil
+				return err
 			}
 		}
 		defer w.Close()