Bangladesh's strong position in the US apparel market despite a decline in overall imports

ফাইল ছবি

News Desk: Although the overall U.S. apparel import market experienced a slump in 2025, Bangladesh achieved significant growth. Despite global uncertainties, this success has further strengthened and consolidated Bangladesh’s position as one of the major suppliers to the world’s largest consumer market.

According to the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA), from January to December 2025, the total U.S. apparel imports amounted to $77.88 billion, a 1.74% decrease compared to the same period in 2024.

In terms of quantity, measured in square meter equivalent (SME), U.S. apparel imports fell by 3.70%. However, the average unit price increased by 2.03%, indicating continued price pressure despite declining demand.

Against the backdrop of overall market decline, U.S. apparel imports from Bangladesh rose to $8.20 billion in 2025, marking the second-highest annual record to date. This represents an 11.71% growth compared to January–December 2024.

In December 2025 alone, imports from Bangladesh increased by 3.33% compared to the same month the previous year.

Bangladesh’s share of total U.S. apparel imports in 2025 stood at 10.53%, further consolidating its position as one of the top suppliers for American buyers.

Among other major suppliers to the U.S. market in 2025, Vietnam accounted for 21.50%, China 13.66%, India 6.35%, Cambodia 6.20%, and Indonesia 5.98%.

China is gradually losing its position in the U.S. apparel market, while Bangladesh and Vietnam have demonstrated nearly identical trends in terms of price growth, unit value, and quantity performance. However, Vietnam still maintains a significantly larger market share overall.

Data also shows that growth in the U.S. apparel market was weaker in the second half of 2025 compared to the first half. Imports fell short of expectations in the last three months due to mutual tariff uncertainties and reduced consumer demand.

Despite these challenging conditions, Bangladesh’s strong export performance reflects the country’s competitiveness in the global apparel supply chain, product diversification, and increasing compliance capabilities.

Mahyuddin Rubel, former director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and additional managing director of Denim Expert Limited, told BSS that Bangladesh performed well overall even in an uncertain environment with mutual tariffs and declining overall demand.

He stated, “China is clearly losing its position in the U.S. apparel market, while Bangladesh and Vietnam show similar trends in price, unit value, and quantity growth, although Vietnam still holds a much larger share.”

Rubel also noted that Bangladesh’s continuous growth in the U.S. market reflects buyers’ confidence and the country’s ability to adapt to changing global conditions.