Print: 02 Nov 2025
Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) exports have posted remarkable growth in both the European Union (EU) and United States markets over the past decade, driven by competitive prices, affordable labour, large-scale production capacity, and growing buyers’ confidence in the country’s apparel industry.
According to data from eurostat and the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA), compiled by the Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE), exports to the EU, the largest market for Bangladeshi apparel, rose 58.45% to US$18.27 billion in 2024, up from $11.53 billion in 2015.
Similarly, RMG exports to the US, Bangladesh’s single-largest export destination, increased 35.87% to $7.34 billion in 2024 from $5.4 billion in 2015.
Industry insiders say this growth could continue if the government ensures key policy support, including lower bank interest rates, stable and affordable energy, improved port efficiency, and strengthened law and order under an elected government.
However, they warned that automation, design diversification, and sustainability requirements will be crucial to maintain momentum, while new EU regulations and possible US tariff measures could pose future challenges.
Industrial safety and policy support vital
Speaking to the Daily Sun, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan credited the growth partly to shifting orders from China.
“Our efforts will continue to expand exports, but we need government support through reduced interest rates, reliable energy supplies, efficient ports, and secure law and order under a stable administration,” he said.
Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) President Mohammad Hatem cautioned that upcoming EU regulatory frameworks, including the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and the European Green Deal, could make compliance more complex.
“Stricter requirements on sustainability, labour rights, and supply chain transparency will be significant challenges for the sector in the coming years,” he said.
Export earnings show impressive EU recovery
Mohiuddin Rubel, managing director of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, noted that Europe has shown consistent growth of 20.47% in apparel imports over the past decade.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary dip to 14.31% in 2020, but recovery surged to 24.92% post-pandemic.
“Bangladesh mirrored this trend with 58.45% growth over the decade, despite a 17.64% drop during the pandemic. The industry recovered strongly with 48.34% growth by 2024,” he said.
Value addition crucial for US market
Mohiuddin Rubel, who also serves as additional managing director of Denim Expert Ltd, highlighted that apparel import volumes to the US have declined by 5.30% over the past decade.
Competitors posted mixed results: China’s imports dropped 18.36%, Indonesia’s 19.82%, while Vietnam and India recorded gains of 32.96% and 34.13%, respectively. Bangladesh, meanwhile, saw a 26.62% rise.
In terms of unit prices, global averages fell by 1.71% over the decade. China and India saw declines of 33.80% and 4.56%, while Vietnam and Indonesia recorded gains of 6.64% and 7.38%. Cambodia posted the highest increase at 38.31%. Bangladesh also achieved a 7.30% increase.
“Bangladesh is currently maintaining a unit price level comparable to the global average paid by US buyers. But competitors such as Vietnam and India are offering more value-added products, which boost their per-unit prices,” Rubel said.
He pointed to Vietnam’s performance in 2024 as an example: “Despite export values being close to China’s, Vietnam’s export volume is less than half because its per-unit price is much higher, $3.59 compared to China’s $1.78. Focusing on value-added products will be essential for Bangladesh to strengthen its market position.”
______________________________________________
The reporter can be reached at: [email protected]
Edited by: Anayetur Rahaman
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RMG exports post decade-long growth in major markets
Exports to the EU rose 58.45% and to the US 35.87% since 2015
Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) exports have posted remarkable growth in both the European Union (EU) and United States markets over the past decade, driven by competitive prices, affordable labour, large-scale production capacity, and growing buyers’ confidence in the country’s apparel industry.
According to data from eurostat and the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA), compiled by the Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE), exports to the EU, the largest market for Bangladeshi apparel, rose 58.45% to US$18.27 billion in 2024, up from $11.53 billion in 2015.
Similarly, RMG exports to the US, Bangladesh’s single-largest export destination, increased 35.87% to $7.34 billion in 2024 from $5.4 billion in 2015.
Industry insiders say this growth could continue if the government ensures key policy support, including lower bank interest rates, stable and affordable energy, improved port efficiency, and strengthened law and order under an elected government.
However, they warned that automation, design diversification, and sustainability requirements will be crucial to maintain momentum, while new EU regulations and possible US tariff measures could pose future challenges.
Industrial safety and policy support vital
Speaking to the Daily Sun, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan credited the growth partly to shifting orders from China.
“Our efforts will continue to expand exports, but we need government support through reduced interest rates, reliable energy supplies, efficient ports, and secure law and order under a stable administration,” he said.
Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) President Mohammad Hatem cautioned that upcoming EU regulatory frameworks, including the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and the European Green Deal, could make compliance more complex.
“Stricter requirements on sustainability, labour rights, and supply chain transparency will be significant challenges for the sector in the coming years,” he said.
Export earnings show impressive EU recovery
Mohiuddin Rubel, managing director of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, noted that Europe has shown consistent growth of 20.47% in apparel imports over the past decade.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary dip to 14.31% in 2020, but recovery surged to 24.92% post-pandemic.
“Bangladesh mirrored this trend with 58.45% growth over the decade, despite a 17.64% drop during the pandemic. The industry recovered strongly with 48.34% growth by 2024,” he said.
Value addition crucial for US market
Mohiuddin Rubel, who also serves as additional managing director of Denim Expert Ltd, highlighted that apparel import volumes to the US have declined by 5.30% over the past decade.
Competitors posted mixed results: China’s imports dropped 18.36%, Indonesia’s 19.82%, while Vietnam and India recorded gains of 32.96% and 34.13%, respectively. Bangladesh, meanwhile, saw a 26.62% rise.
In terms of unit prices, global averages fell by 1.71% over the decade. China and India saw declines of 33.80% and 4.56%, while Vietnam and Indonesia recorded gains of 6.64% and 7.38%. Cambodia posted the highest increase at 38.31%. Bangladesh also achieved a 7.30% increase.
“Bangladesh is currently maintaining a unit price level comparable to the global average paid by US buyers. But competitors such as Vietnam and India are offering more value-added products, which boost their per-unit prices,” Rubel said.
He pointed to Vietnam’s performance in 2024 as an example: “Despite export values being close to China’s, Vietnam’s export volume is less than half because its per-unit price is much higher, $3.59 compared to China’s $1.78. Focusing on value-added products will be essential for Bangladesh to strengthen its market position.”
______________________________________________
The reporter can be reached at: [email protected]
Edited by: Anayetur Rahaman