Growth in Bangladesh's apparel export to the United States dropped below 1.0 per cent during the first eight months of the current calendar year over the corresponding period of 2015. According to sources, sluggish economic recovery in the country's single-largest shipment destination-the US market-is largely to blame for the slowdown in the export growth. A growing competition by other exporters, particularly Vietnam for the market share and denial of duty-free and quota-free access for Bangladeshi apparels are also seen as deterrents.

The country's exports grew by 0.85 per cent to $3.71 billion while that of Vietnam recorded a growth of 3.04 per cent to $ 7.25 billion during January-August period of 2016. By the data of Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA), the trade scenario became clear and became a source of concern of the US Department of Commerce.

Export earnings grew by 10.99 per cent in January and 8.52 per cent from January to February in 2016, the data revealed. Exports of the country's non-apparel items including shrimp and plastic products, also declined. The turnover amounted to $142.17 million during the January-August period, accounting for a negative 6.88 per cent growth. On the other hand, Chinese apparel exports also witnessed a negative growth of 7.73 per cent to $ 18.28 billion during the same period of this year.