Bangladesh’s readymade garment exports to the European Union (EU) posted robust growth in the first two months of 2025, increasing by 36.99 percent year-on-year to $3.69 billion, according to newly released data from Eurostat.

The strong performance was driven by a 39.02 percent rise in shipment volume, underlining Bangladesh’s strengthening position in the global apparel market.

In comparison, during the same period of 2024, Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the EU totalled $2.69 billion. Despite the substantial gains in both value and volume, the average unit price of Bangladesh’s apparel exports declined by 1.46 percent, highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining profitability in an increasingly competitive global market.

Overall, the EU’s apparel imports grew by 17.81 percent to reach $16.10 billion in January and February of 2025. This growth was propelled by a 28.66 percent increase in import volume, although average unit prices across all suppliers fell by 8.44 percent during the period. The data suggests that while demand remains strong, pricing pressures persist, affecting exporters’ margins.

Several factors contributed to Bangladesh’s strong showing. Mohiuddin Rubel, former director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), attributed the growth to a combination of higher value-added production, the EU’s economic recovery, sustained duty-free market access under the Everything But Arms (EBA) initiative, and improved compliance with international safety and labour standards. Rubel also emphasised that collaborative efforts between manufacturers and workers have played a key role in strengthening buyer confidence.

“The developments have enhanced the credibility of Bangladesh’s garment sector in the eyes of global buyers,” Rubel said, noting that the trend is expected to continue as sourcing from Bangladesh increases amid rising trade tensions involving the United States and other nations.

Looking ahead, Bangladesh’s garment sector outlook remains optimistic. With a projected increase in work orders throughout 2025, industry stakeholders anticipate sustained growth momentum, particularly as buyers diversify their sourcing strategies to mitigate geopolitical risks.

Bangladesh’s performance comes amid broader shifts in the global apparel trade landscape. China, the EU’s largest supplier, recorded $4.54 billion in apparel exports during the same two-month period, up from $3.63 billion in early 2024. Other key suppliers, including India, Pakistan, and Cambodia, also achieved significant gains. India secured $865 million in apparel exports to the EU, Pakistan garnered $711 million, and Cambodia achieved $775 million.