Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the European Union (EU) have experienced significant growth, increasing by 37 per cent during the January-February period of 2025.

According to data compiled by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) based on Eurostat, the statistical office of the EU, Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) exports to the EU market reached $3.69 billion in the first two months of 2025, up from $2.69 billion during the same period in 2024.

The EU’s overall apparel imports in the first two months of 2025 totalled $16.09 billion, marking a 17.81 per cent increase compared to $13.66 billion in the corresponding months of the previous year.

When compared to Bangladesh’s main competitors, China saw a 25.12 per cent growth in its apparel exports to the EU, while India, Pakistan and Cambodia all reported notable double-digit increases of 25.60 per cent, 29.65 per cent, and 41 per cent, respectively.

Data showed that China’s apparel exports to the EU reached $4.54 billion, up from $3.63 billion in January-February 2024.

However, Turkey faced a 3.64 per cent decrease in apparel exports to the EU, amounting to $1.61 billion during January-February period of 2025.

Vietnam recorded a 16.58 per cent growth, reaching $759 million exports.

India, Pakistan, and Cambodia fetched $865.18 million, $710.65 million and $775.11 million respectively during January-February period of 2025 from clothing exports to the EU.