Bangladesh's apparel exports to the United States rose by 26.64 per cent in the first two months of 2025 spanning January and February) outpacing all its major competitors. This growth is attributed to US buyers increasingly shifting their orders away from China.
According to official trade data, Bangladesh's apparel exports to the US increased to $1.5 billion during January-February 2025 from $1.18 billion in the same period last year. This robust growth has positioned Bangladesh as the third-largest supplier of clothing to the US, trailing only China and Vietnam.
While apparel exports by China and Vietnam also increased by 8.85 per cent and 11.14 per cent respectively, driven by competive pricing, improved adherence to labor and environmental standards and a rise in order Bangladesh experienced the most substantial growth.
However, industry leaders are expressing caution due to the potential impact of renewed trade tensions under a possible Abdullah Hil Rakib, Former Senior Vice President, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), notes. the encouraging growth but emphasized the increasing volatility of the trade environment. He highlighted the difficulty in planning long-term investments and predicting order flows due to tariff politics in Washington.
Apparel imports by the US from global sources increased by 11.20 per cent to $13.55 billion in the first two months of 2025, marking. India and Pakistan also experienced significant gains of 25.70 per cent and 23.05 per cent respectively, while some countries, like Honduras, faced a sharp decline of 20.86 per cent, illustrating the evolving dynamics of the global sourcing landscape.
Trade experts caution that a more protectionist US stance could lead to increased scrutiny of trade benefits, although Bangladesh's apparel sector currently operates under a different regime.
Currently, Bangladesh is capitalizing on this opportunity, but the future remains uncertain. Stakeholders believe that long-term growth will depend on the US's approach to its evolving trade policies and Bangladesh's ability to maintain its position as a stable, ethical, and high-capacity supplier.
