BM Desk: Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the European Union commenced 2025 with an impressive increase of 60.9%, reaching €1.91 billion in January, compared to €1.19 billion during the same month in 2024.

In this period, knitwear exports experienced a notable rise of 64.2%, while woven apparel exports grew by 56.3%, as reported by Eurostat, the EU’s statistical office, on Tuesday, March 18.

In terms of volume, Bangladesh’s ready-made garment exports to the 27-member economic bloc also saw a significant increase in January 2025, climbing by 58.1% to 126.86 million kilograms from 80.25 million kilograms in January of the previous year.

This robust growth reinforces Bangladesh’s role as a vital supplier to the European market, fueled by competitive pricing, preferential trade benefits under the Everything But Arms (EBA) initiative, and enhancements in production capabilities.

Mohammad Hatem, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, described this growth as ‘encouraging’ for exporters, indicating a positive market recovery.

He noted that the overall growth was attributed to increased capacity, efficiency, and productivity.

Hatem also mentioned that a significant number of work orders are transitioning from China to other countries, with Bangladesh emerging as a primary beneficiary.

However, he raised concerns regarding the slow advancement in improving law and order, which he believes could undermine buyers’ and investors’ confidence.

The business leader urged the government to ensure a reliable supply of utilities, such as gas and electricity, at affordable prices to enhance the competitiveness of exporters.

Furthermore, the BKMEA president highlighted that not only is the EU market improving, but the US market is also showing signs of recovery after an extended period of business slowdown.

Hatem explained that these economic improvements in major markets are contributing to the positive trend.

Eurostat’s data revealed a notable increase in the European Union’s apparel imports from various countries in January 2025, with total imports amounting to €8.29 billion, marking a 31.9% rise from €6.28 billion in January 2024.

China, the EU’s primary apparel supplier, experienced robust growth, with exports rising by 40.9% to €2.38 billion in January 2025. The country’s knitwear exports to the EU surged by 45.3% to €1.23 billion, while woven apparel exports increased by 36.4% to €1.14 billion.

Following China, Bangladesh continued to hold its position as the second-largest apparel exporter to the EU.

In January 2025, the EU’s apparel imports from Turkey rose by 5.4%, reaching €874.09 million compared to €829.21 million in the same month of the previous year.

Cambodia’s apparel exports to the EU saw a remarkable increase of 72.5%—the highest among major exporting nations—totaling €420.9 million. Knitwear exports grew by 71.6% to €256.2 million, while woven apparel exports surged by 73.9% to €164.7 million.

India’s apparel exports to the EU also saw a significant year-on-year increase of 44.5%, reaching €397.7 million in January 2025.

Vietnam’s apparel exports to the EU climbed by 34.3% to €398.6 million, with knitwear increasing by 26% and woven apparel rising by 40.7%. Exporters noted that Vietnam’s consistent growth highlights its status as a dependable sourcing destination, bolstered by a well-established supply chain and advantageous trade agreements like the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, which provides preferential tariffs on numerous textile products.

Pakistan’s apparel exports to the EU grew by 31.9%, reaching €347.7 million in January 2025. Within this, woven apparel exports increased by 42.8% to €175.6 million, while knitwear exports rose by 22.5% to €172.1 million.