Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) exports to the European Union (EU) experienced a robust growth of nearly 24% in the first four months of this year, reaching US $ 8.07 billion, according to Eurostat data. This marks an increase from US $ 6.51 billion during the same period in 2024, highlighting a strong upward trajectory in Bangladesh’s export performance.
The data reveals a balanced growth in the EU market, with a 19.71% rise in export volume and a 3.57% increase in unit prices, indicating that both demand and pricing are contributing to the overall export expansion.
Across the broader EU apparel market, total imports rose by 14.21%, totaling US $ 32.49 billion during January-April. Major apparel-exporting nations such as China, India, Pakistan, and Cambodia reported significant growth. China remains the leading supplier, with exports to the EU climbing by 21.49% to US $ 8.39 billion, alongside a notable 7.37% increase in unit prices.
India’s exports grew by 20.58% to US $ 2.01 billion, while Pakistan and Cambodia posted impressive gains of 23.42% and 31.78%, respectively, reaching US $ 1.42 billion and US $ 1.56 billion. Vietnam also demonstrated resilience, with exports increasing by 15.62% to US $ 1.48 billion and a 5.68% rise in unit prices.
However, Turkey faced challenges, with its apparel exports to the EU declining by 5.41% to US $ 3.10 billion during the period.
Bangladesh’s garment sector continues to expand, driven by rising volumes and unit prices. Nonetheless, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) cautioned that ongoing conflicts between Iran and Israel could pose risks, potentially disrupting trade flows and increasing operational costs for businesses.
Industry analysts see these developments as a positive sign of Bangladesh’s growing footprint in the EU apparel market, amid a competitive landscape marked by both opportunities and geopolitical challenges.
