Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry is anticipating a fresh wave of export orders, particularly from the United States, as inquiries from buyers have started to increase. Industry leaders say the outlook is also promising for Europe, Canada, and Australia, raising optimism among exporters after a period of uncertainty.
Entrepreneurs report that over the past two weeks, inquiries from long-standing US buyers have resumed, with some previously suspended orders being reinstated. A portion of these are believed to be diverted from India. “The orders are not here yet, but there is strong potential. Nothing happens overnight, energy, infrastructure, and banking support are all critical factors,” said BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu. He noted that a clearer picture of order volumes will emerge after one full season.
BKMEA Executive President Fazle Shamim Ehsan echoed the optimism, stating that new interest from US buyers could translate into long-term growth in exports.
Industry insiders attribute the shift to recent tariff hikes imposed by the US on several countries, which have opened up opportunities for Bangladeshi exporters. Some factories have already reported a 5–10% increase in orders from both old and new buyers, keeping production lines busy. Entrepreneurs also see Bangladesh’s competitive tariff position in the US—lower than China and India, as a key advantage.
According to Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data, RMG shipments brought in US $ 3.96 billion in July, the first month of FY 2025-26, representing 83% of total export earnings and reflecting a 25% year-on-year growth. Bangladesh’s top export competitors include Vietnam, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, and Pakistan.
Currently, Bangladeshi garments face a 20% duty in the US market—the same as Vietnam, but lower than China’s 30% and India’s 50%. Analysts say this gives Bangladesh a stronger foothold, especially as US tariffs remain a barrier for Indian exporters.
EPB Vice Chairman Anwar Hossain projected that if demand holds and shipments are timely, export earnings could rise by 30-35% by the end of the September quarter, enabling Bangladesh to reach its US $ 63.5 billion export target for FY2025-26 ahead of schedule.
Beyond garments, US buyers are also turning to Bangladesh for jute, leather, and other products once sourced from China and India. However, exporters stress that resolving energy shortages and enhancing port capacity will be crucial to sustaining momentum.
BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem observed that while buyers had shifted orders to India in recent months, new US tariffs have altered the trend, creating scope for Bangladesh to absorb additional demand, especially as Chinese factories grapple with labor shortages.
Former BGMEA Director Mohiuddin Rubel added that unlike previous years, exports in July-September are rising, with both large and smaller buyers placing orders in the US and European markets.
Bangladesh exported US $ 8.69 billion worth of goods to the US in FY2024-25, including US $ 7.54 billion in RMG around 18% of the country’s total exports.
Shovon Islam, Managing Director of Sparrow Group of Industries, said his company has already extended overtime hours to meet additional orders for spring and summer seasons. “With proper support in gas, electricity, and banking facilities, Bangladesh can seize this opportunity fully,” he noted.
