The export of readymade garments from Bangladesh to the European Union experienced robust growth of 17.8 per cent to $8.97 billion in the first five months of this year, according to Eurostat, the statistical office of the EU.
The earnings from the EU, the largest export destination of Bangladeshi exporters, were $7.61 billion in the January-May period of 2024.
Knitwear remained the country鈥檚 leading product category, increasing 20.2 per cent to $5.18 billion, while woven exports grew by 14.9 per cent to $3.79 billion.
During this five-month stretch, Bangladesh also outperformed China in knitwear shipments to the EU.
However, the RMG export witnessed a sharp decline of 10.5 per cent to $1.43 billion in a single month of May of this year, which was $1.59 billion in the same month of 2024.
According to the Eurostat data, the region imported RMG items worth $36.82 billion in January-May of 2025, which was 12.3 per cent higher than $32.79 billion in the same period of 2024.
During the period, knitwear imports increased by 14.7 per cent to $18.44 billion, while woven apparel grew by 10 per cent to $18.38 billion from the region.
The single-month drop of Bangladesh in May 2025 contrasted with the robust growth seen earlier in the year, including a remarkable 60.8 per cent surge in January.
Industry insiders said that the decline might be due to inventory adjustments or a softening in demand for Bangladeshi garments across EU markets.
Among the other notable players, China, the EU鈥檚 largest apparel supplier, continued its recovery, with total exports rising 17.1 per cent year-on-year to $9.04 billion in the January鈥揗ay period.
Knitwear exports led the growth, increasing by 24.3 per cent to $4.67 billion, while woven exports rose by 10.4 per cent to $4.37 billion.
India, meanwhile, posted the highest growth among top suppliers, witnessed a 19.1 per cent year-on-year growth to $2.38 billion in the first five months of 2025.
This consistent monthly performance underscores India鈥檚 growing appeal as a diversified sourcing destination for EU buyers.
Vietnam鈥檚 apparel exports to the EU increased 15.7 per cent to $1.69 billion during the January鈥揗ay period.
Pakistan posted a 20 per cent rise in exports, reaching $1.63 billion, with knitwear and woven apparel growing by 20.5 per cent and 19.6 per cent respectively.
Cambodia saw the fastest growth, with exports soaring 30.3 per cent to $1.77 billion.
In contrast, Turkey was the only major supplier to register a decline in the first five months of the year.
Its apparel exports to the EU fell by 5.8 per cent to $3.59 billion, reflecting possible supply-side constraints or weakening demand for Turkish garments in the European market.
Speaking to 抖阴精品, Inamul Haq Khan, senior vice-president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said that the scenario of exports and orders are normal.
鈥楳ost probably, the holidays of Eid-ul-Fitr affected the export of May. We are in good position at EU and hopefully, we could sustain it,鈥� he added.
He also stated that the factories are receiving sufficient purchase orders, which suggests promising potential for the coming years.
鈥楨ven we are optimistic about US market despite tariff slam,鈥� he added, saying that the buyers have trust on Bangladesh鈥檚 efficiency, capacity, and ethical manufacturing.
In 2024, Bangladesh exported RMG items worth $19.77 billion, up from $18.85 billion in 2023, according to Eurostat data.
