Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) exports to the United States saw strong growth in the January–October period of 2025, reaching $7.08 billion, according to data from the US Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA). This marked a 15.13 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Despite a generally flat US market, Bangladesh’s growth underscores the country’s continued competitiveness among major sourcing nations. In contrast, total US apparel imports for the period stood at $66.63 billion, reflecting a marginal decline of 0.61% in value year-on-year.
In volume terms, imports fell by 2.24 per cent, although average unit prices rose by 1.67 per cent, signalling a cooling market as buyers increasingly focus on value and price optimisation.
Industry experts caution that emerging trends, such as shifting buying patterns and intensifying competition from South and Southeast Asian suppliers, could slow momentum in the coming months. Additionally, inventory normalisation is expected to affect future demand.
OTEXA data, typically published with a two-month delay, may not fully reflect current market dynamics. Vietnam, another major supplier, recorded a 11.50 per cent growth in value terms, while India’s exports rose by 8.57 per cent. Other countries such as Pakistan and Indonesia saw increases of 12.29 per cent and 10.06 per cent respectively, while Cambodia posted a significant 25.50 per cent rise. In contrast, China experienced a sharp 32.38 per cent decline in value.
In terms of volume, Bangladesh saw a 15.86 per cent increase in the number of pieces shipped to the US, with other countries, including Vietnam (12.02 per cent), Pakistan (20.55 per cent), and Cambodia (35.33 per cent), also posting significant gains. China saw a 24.47 per cent drop in volume.
While average unit prices fell for most suppliers, Bangladesh’s price per unit decreased by 0.63 per cent, Vietnam’s by 0.46 per cent, and China’s by 10.47 per cent. Cambodia saw a 7.26 per cent decline, while Pakistan’s unit price fell by 6.85 per cent. India was the only major supplier to record an increase in unit prices, with a 1.57 per cent rise.
Mohiuddin Rubel, former director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), stated that Bangladesh’s growth remains impressive despite the slowing US market. However, he emphasised that evolving buyer strategies and rising regional competition highlight the need for a continued focus on efficiency, value addition, and diversification to maintain growth in the coming months.
