Garment exports from Bangladesh to the US posted double-digit growth in the first eleven months of 2025 despite weaker demand for apparels in the western nation, according to official statistics.
Data of the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) shows that US apparel imports fell 1.44 percent year-on-year to $71.90 billion during the January-November period.
In terms of volume, imports dropped 3.23 per cent, while the average unit price rose 1.85 per cent, reflecting cautious sourcing and higher costs.
In contrast, shipments from Bangladesh rose 12.43 per cent to $7.60 billion during the period, underlining the country’s growing competitiveness in the American market.
However, imports from Bangladesh declined 14.57 per cent in November alone compared to the same month a year earlier, indicating short-term volatility.
Among other major suppliers, Vietnam recorded 11.35 per cent growth, while China experienced a sharp 33.90 per cent contraction, continuing its gradual loss of market share.
India’s exports rose 6.04 per cent, Pakistan’s 11.82 per cent, Indonesia’s 9.79 per cent, and Cambodia posted the highest growth of 26.18 per cent.
Bangladesh also registered strong gains in shipment volumes. The number of pieces imported from the country increased 13.30 per cent, outpacing Vietnam’s 11.99 per cent growth.
Cambodia saw the largest surge at 35.40 per cent, followed by Pakistan at 18.28 per cent and Indonesia at 13.39 per cent. China’s volumes dropped 25.86 per cent, while that of India grew 4.73 per cent.
Despite higher volumes, Bangladesh’s average unit price slipped 0.77 per cent, suggesting intensified price competition.
Unit prices declined for most suppliers, including Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Pakistan and Indonesia, while India was the only major exporter to register a 1.25 per cent increase.
Industry insiders said Bangladesh’s gains reflect buyers’ continued sourcing diversification away from China, coupled with the country’s strength in value-added and basic apparel categories.
“The data shows that Bangladesh is consolidating its position as a reliable sourcing hub for US retailers, particularly at a time when global demand remains soft,” said Mohiuddin Rubel, a former BGMEA director and managing director of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange.
However, he noted that falling unit prices and month-to-month fluctuations indicate pressure on margins.
Against this backdrop, Rubel urged manufacturers to focus on productivity, product diversification and higher value segments to sustain export growth.
