Bangladesh’s garment exports to the European Union (EU) posted strong growth in the first 10 months of 2025, reflecting the country’s growing competitiveness in the trade bloc despite mounting pressure from rival exporters.
The EU’s total apparel imports in the January-October period rose by 4.64 percent year-on-year to €75.91 billion even as average unit prices declined 5.72 percent, according to official industry data.
Bangladesh emerged as one of the key beneficiaries of this expansion, with apparel exports to the EU climbing to €16.67 billion during the period, up from €15.23 billion a year earlier.
The country recorded 9.45 percent growth in garment exports, driven primarily by a robust 12.24 percent rise in shipments, although average unit prices dipped by 2.48 percent.
“The data clearly indicates that Bangladesh is strengthening its position in the European market by leveraging scale, efficiency and compliance,” said Mohiuddin Rubel, additional managing director of Denim Expert Ltd.
Other major apparel-sourcing countries also registered notable gains. China increased its exports to the EU to €22.24 billion, marking a 7.15 percent rise in value.
The growth came despite a 7.21 percent decline in unit prices, as Chinese exporters boosted volumes by an impressive 15.48 percent.
“This reflects China’s strategic shift towards the European market amid ongoing challenges and uncertainties in the US market,” Rubel, also former director of the BGMEA, said.
Vietnam continued its upward trajectory, posting a 10.75 percent growth in exports to the EU, reaching €3.63 billion. Unlike many competitors, Vietnam also recorded a 3.41 percent increase in average unit prices, indicating a move towards higher-value products.
In contrast, Turkey faced a significant downturn, with EU apparel imports from the country falling by 11.15 percent to €7.06 billion during the same period, underscoring the competitive pressures within the bloc.
India, Pakistan and Cambodia also posted substantial growth, intensifying competition among major suppliers as European buyers increasingly focus on cost efficiency, volume capacity and supply chain resilience.
Industry insiders believe that Bangladesh’s continued focus on sustainability, compliance and product diversification will be crucial in maintaining momentum in the EU market amid persistent price pressures and rising competition.
