Bangladesh strengthened its position as one of the European Union’s largest apparel suppliers during January–November 2025, achieving solid export growth despite sustained pressure on prices, according to data from Eurostat.
Total EU apparel imports rose 3.93 per cent year on year to €82.94 billion in the first 11 months of 2025. The increase was driven mainly by an 11.60 per cent rise in import volumes, while average unit prices fell 6.88 per cent, reflecting weak consumer demand and tougher price negotiations by European retailers.
Against this backdrop, Bangladesh outperformed the overall market. Apparel exports from Bangladesh to the EU increased to €18.06 billion from €16.78 billion a year earlier, marking a 7.65 per cent rise in value. Export volumes grew 11.26 per cent, even as average unit prices declined by 3.25 per cent.
BGMEA former director Mohiuddin Rubel said the data underline Bangladesh’s resilience and growing role in the EU apparel supply chain.
He said Bangladesh grew faster than the overall EU import market, confirming its strategic position as a dependable sourcing base for European brands, while noting that falling unit prices show the industry is absorbing significant cost pressure to protect market share.
Bangladesh remained the EU’s second-largest apparel supplier after China during the period. China topped the ranking with €24.42 billion in exports, but Bangladesh narrowed the gap by outperforming several competitors in both value growth and volume expansion.
Rubel said Bangladesh’s advantage lies in its scale, compliance standards and ability to handle large-volume orders, adding that European buyers continue to rely on the country for volume-driven sourcing as supply chains are rebalanced.
Short-term data, however, point to emerging headwinds. Compared with November 2024, Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the EU in November 2025 dropped 10.87 per cent in value, while unit prices fell 12.27 per cent.
Rubel attributed the November decline to softer retail demand in Europe and cautious buying ahead of year-end, warning that diversification and a shift towards higher value-added products are becoming increasingly important.
Among competitors, Vietnam posted 10.10 per cent growth in EU apparel exports to €4.02 billion, supported by higher unit prices. Turkey, a major near-shore supplier, saw imports fall 11.31 per cent to €7.66 billion, signalling shifting sourcing patterns within the bloc. India, Pakistan and Cambodia also recorded notable gains, intensifying competition.
Despite price pressure, Rubel said Bangladesh’s overall EU performance remains encouraging, adding that improving productivity, sustainability and value addition will be critical to securing better prices and long-term competitiveness.
