The home textile industry in Bangladesh has seen a notable resurgence in export performance over recent months, driven by an improved order situation and enhanced production capacity. According to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), the sector generated US $ 578 million in revenue during the July-February period of the current financial year, marking a 5.23 per cent increase from US $ 549.25 million during the same timeframe in FY ’24.
Once considered an emerging player in the country’s export landscape, the home textile sector has reached significant milestones, including surpassing the US $ 1 billion mark in export earnings for the first time in FY ’21. In FY ’22, earnings peaked at US $ 1.62 billion. However, the sector faced challenges due to soaring gas prices and the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, leading to a decline in earnings to US $ 1.09 billion in FY ’23 and further down to US $ 851 million in FY ’24. For over a year, the monthly export figures remained negative.
A turnaround began in November 2024, with home textile exports rebounding. In the first half of FY ’25, the sector earned US $ 494 million; in the July-December period, earnings reached US $ 410.81 million, and US $ 326.83 million in July-November. The EPB reported consistent positive growth rates between 5 per cent and 9 per cent throughout these months.
Momtex Limited, a major player in the home textile export market, employs 7,500 individuals and boasts a production capacity of 6 million meters per month. Shahjada Rubel, the company’s head of business, noted the surge in exports and highlighted the significant volume of purchase orders received. He attributed part of this growth to Chinese companies relocating their production facilities to Bangladesh due to increased duties in China.
Rubel emphasised the need for the government to ensure a consistent supply of gas and energy while advocating for price reductions to maintain the momentum of export growth. Industry experts recognize home textiles as a critical export sector for Bangladesh, capable of producing bulk products that have solidified the country’s position as a global leader in this market.
The home textile export portfolio includes a variety of products such as bed linen, sheets, bath linens, carpets, rugs, blankets, kitchen linens, curtains, cushions, and quilt covers. Mohammed Ayub Khan, senior vice-chairman of the Bangladesh Terry Towel and Linen Manufacturers and Exporters Association, noted that favorable yarn prices have enabled factories to ramp up production.
