Bangladesh鈥檚 apparel exports to the European Union witnessed an increase of 37 per cent to $3.69 billion in January and February of 2025, according to Eurostat data, compiled by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association.
In the same period of 2024, Bangladesh exported readymade garment items worth $2.70 billion to the 27-nation economic bloc, its largest export destination.
Exporters said that several factors contributed to this positive export trend, including value-added garment production, the EU鈥檚 economic recovery, duty-free market access, adherence to safety standards and collaborative efforts of manufacturers and workers.
These developments have increased buyer confidence, solidifying Bangladesh鈥檚 position in the export landscape, they said.
During the January-February period of 2025, the EU witnessed a surge in apparel imports, marking a growth of 17.81 per cent, amounting to $16.10 billion, compared with those of $13.67 billion in the same period of 2024.
In the reporting period, Bangladesh remained the second-largest supplier of apparel items to the EU.
During the period, all major suppliers to the EU, including China, India, Pakistan and Cambodia, experienced substantial growth except for Turkey.
China remained the top exporter to the EU, exporting RMG items worth $4.54 billion in January-February of 2025, which was 25.12 per cent up from that of $3.63 billion in the same period of 2024.
Turkey secured the third place, though the Eurasian country experienced a negative growth of 3.64 per cent to $1.61 billion, which was $1.67 billion in January-February of 2024.
Vietnam posted a 16.58 per cent growth, reaching $759 million in the first two months of 2025, which was $651 million in the corresponding period of 2024.
India, Pakistan and Cambodia secured RMG exports worth $865 million, $711 million and $775 million respectively in January-February of 2025, which were 25.60 per cent, 29.65 per cent and 41 per cent higher respectively than those in the same period of the past year.
Talking to 抖阴精品, Mohiuddin Rubel, former BGMEA director, said that, looking ahead, the outlook remained optimistic with an expected increase in work orders throughout 2025, sustaining growth momentum.
鈥楢s buyers expand their sourcing activities in Bangladesh, the growth trajectory is expected to continue, especially amidst rising tensions between the United States and other countries,鈥� he added.
He added that the data highlighted necessity for strategic adaptations to foster future growth.
He also said that despite Bangladesh鈥檚 resilience in upholding export levels both in quantity and value, the country must clearly sustain its competitive edge and enhance profit margins amidst persistent global price declines.
鈥楰ey factors such as value addition and expanding market reach remain pivotal for our economic sustainability and prosperity,鈥� he added.
In 2024, Bangladesh exported RMG items worth $38.48 billion to its global destinations, where the earnings from the EU were $19.77 billion.