Apparel Exports Reach $26.79B in Jul-Feb FY25

Inditex, the world’s largest fast fashion group and owner of brands like Zara and Bershka, intends to strengthen its longstanding partnership with Bangladesh, reaffirming the country's role as a critical sourcing hub.

According to a recent USDA report, the United States is losing cotton market share in Bangladesh due to logistics issues and long shipment times. In Marketing Year (MY) 2023-24, Bangladesh imported 7.8 million bales of cotton, with the U.S. contributing 9%, down from 10% in MY23.

International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh (ICC Bangladesh) President Mahbubur Rahman has urged the government to pursue direct diplomatic negotiations with the US in response to the new reciprocal tariff regime announced by President Trump. At a press briefing in Dhaka, he proposed forming a Ministry of Commerce-led taskforce including major trade stakeholders to monitor bilateral trade and develop solutions to reduce the trade imbalance.

Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) exports to the United States saw a significant 26.64% increase during January-February 2025, reaching $1.50 billion, compared to $1.18 billion in the same period of 2024. This growth outpaced other major exporters like India, Pakistan, and Vietnam. In January, RMG exports surged by 45.9%, amounting to $799.65 million.

Three more Bangladeshi RMG factories—Echotex Limited, Elite Garments Industries Ltd, and Euro Knit Spinn Ltd—have received LEED Platinum certification, the highest level under the rating system. This brings Bangladesh’s total LEED-certified garment factories to 240, including 98 Platinum and 128 Gold-certified facilities.

Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) exports grew by 10.64% year-on-year, reaching $26.79 billion during July-February FY25, driven by strong demand from major markets. The EU remained the largest market, accounting for 50.10% of total exports at $13.42 billion, followed by the US at $5.06 billion (18.91%) and Canada at $845 million (3.16%).