The exports of readymade garments to India maintained a positive growth trend over the past three months despite trade restrictions imposed in May.
According to data from the Export Promotion Bureau, Bangladesh exported RMG items to India worth $184 million in June-August 2025, which was approximately $160 million in the same period of 2024, indicating a 15 per cent growth in exports.
During the period, export earnings from the RMG sector were $81.3 million in August of this year, which was $69 million in August of 2024.
The RMG export to India stood at $62.91 million in July of this year, which was $52.67 million in July 2024, and the country bagged $40 million in June of 2025, which was $37.1 million in June of 2024, the EPB data stated.
Earlier on May 17. India imposed restrictions on imports of some products, including RMG, through land ports, leaving only Mumbai鈥檚 Nhava Sheva and Kolkata ports open.
Exporters must now send goods through Chattogram seaport then via Colombo port in Sri Lanka before reaching Nhava Sheva, involving four rounds of container handling, raising both cost and lead time.
Meanwhile, since the ousting of the Awami League regime and Sheikh Hasina鈥檚 flight to India in August 2024 in the face of a mass uprising, the bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh has witnessed a series of restrictions.聽
The RMG exporters stated that, despite the restrictions, Indian buyers might still enjoy a competitive advantage by sourcing from Bangladesh due to duty-free market access.
Moreover, several global brands with operations in India source from Bangladeshi factories, which also might be a reason behind the growth trend.
Mohammad Hatem, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said that the growth in apparel exports to India is a very positive sign.
鈥楢lthough the restrictions mean it takes longer to ship goods by sea, the route remains cost-effective. As a result, the impact on exports has been minimal,鈥� he added.
The overall exports to India reached $411.33 million in the past three months, although decreased slightly by 5 per cent, mostly due to June exports.
The export earnings in June were $100 million, in July were $147.19 million, and in August were $164.14 million, the EPB data stated.聽
However, the overall export trend in July and August 2025 started to return to a positive direction, as the country recorded $143 million in July and $160 million in August 2024.
Mohiuddin Rubel, former director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said that although India is one of Bangladesh鈥檚 major competitors, it also sources from Bangladesh to meet the local demand.
鈥業ndia has a large population, meaning a large domestic market. Moreover, they might also moving towards value-added production, which might made Bangladesh as price competitive for their local market,鈥� he added.鈥�
Beside Bangladesh鈥檚 largest buyer Trent Limited, a subsidiary of the Tata Group, major global retailers include H&M, Levi Strauss, Marks & Spencer, Puma, Uniqlo, Decathlon, Pepe Jeans, and Bestseller, also source apparel from Bangladesh for the Indian market.
鈥楾he global brands might have the contracts with Bangladeshi manufacturers, which impacted the RMG exports to India from Bangladesh,鈥� he added.
If there were no trade tensions and restrictions between Bangladesh and India, the export would have witnessed more growth, he added.
In FY25, India imported RMG items worth $644.24 million from Bangladesh.
On August 11, India imposed a ban on imports of several jute products and ropes through land ports, after June 27, when they also banned imports of several jute and woven products through land ports.
Earlier, on May 17, India imposed restrictions on the import of most Bangladeshi products, including RMG, processed foods, and agro-products.
On April 9, India withdrew the trans-shipment facility it had granted to Bangladesh for exporting various items to the Middle East, Europe, and various other countries except Nepal and Bhutan.
