Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the European Union ended the January-November period of 2025 on a weaker note, following wide month-to-month fluctuations throughout the year.

According to Eurostat data, exports in November 2025 fell to €1.37 billion, down from €1.54 billion in November 2024, representing a 10.9 per cent year-on-year decline.

The fall was driven largely by knitwear, which dropped 13.2 per cent to €863 million, while woven garment exports declined 6.6 per cent to €507 million.

The weak November outcome followed an even sharper downturn in October, when Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the EU fell to €1.41 billion, nearly 20 per cent lower than in October 2024.

Both major product categories were affected, with knitwear exports down by more than 20 per cent and woven garments by almost 19 per cent.

Before the late-year slowdown, exports had staged a recovery in September, when shipments rose to €1.79 billion, posting 16.4 per cent growth year on year.

Knitwear exports increased to €1.11 billion, while woven garments climbed to €674 million, supported by autumn season orders. This rebound followed a softer August, when total apparel exports declined 8.0 per cent to €1.50 billion.

Exports showed modest improvement in July, rising 6.9 per cent year on year to €1.67 billion.

A stronger turnaround had been recorded in June, when exports climbed 20.4 per cent to €1.35 billion.

Knitwear led the rebound with growth of 28.1 per cent to €866 million, while woven garment exports rose 8.8 per cent to €484 million.

The first clear sign of weakness in 2025 emerged in May, when exports fell 10.9 per cent year on year to €1.43 billion.

Knitwear exports declined 7.3 per cent, while woven garments recorded a sharper 16.1 per cent drop in the month.

In April 2025, shipments increased 6.0 per cent to €1.86 billion, supported by gains in both knitwear and woven products.

March saw stronger performance, with exports rising 18.6 per cent to €2.11 billion, driven by double-digit growth in both segments.

Growth was strongest at the start of the year. February exports rose 26.7 per cent to €1.66 billion, while January recorded the largest increase, with shipments surging 61.0 per cent to €1.91 billion.

Overall, Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the European Union reached €18.06 billion during January-November 2025, marking a 7.7 per cent increase compared with the same period of 2024.

Knitwear remained the main driver of export earnings, accounting for more than 60 per cent of total shipments and growing 8.3 per cent to €10.92 billion.

Woven garment exports increased at a slower pace, rising 6.6 per cent to €7.14 billion in the 11 months of 2025.