Bangladesh has demonstrated impressive growth in its apparel exports to the European Union during the first quarter of 2025, with total shipments increasing by over 33 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

According to the latest trade data from Eurostat, Bangladesh’s total apparel exports to the EU rose from approximately €4.27 billion in January to March 2024 to €5.68 billion during the corresponding period in 2025. This increase of €1.41 billion represents a notable 33 per cent growth in value terms.

Knitwear exports drove much of this expansion, climbing nearly 36 per cent from around €2.39 billion to €3.25 billion. Woven apparel also performed strongly, with exports rising approximately 30 per cent from €1.87 billion to €2.43 billion.

Among major EU suppliers, Bangladesh recorded one of the highest growth rates in value terms, surpassing key competitors such as China, Vietnam, Turkey and India.

While it fell just short of Cambodia’s exceptionally high growth rate, it remained slightly ahead of Pakistan’s.

Exporters attributed the recent surge in apparel exports to the EU to seasonal summer demand, early order placements by buyers and a recovering European market.

Although Bangladesh’s exports to the EU grew year-on-year in each of the three months, the rate of growth slowed gradually over the quarter.

Data showed that Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the EU in January 2025 posted the highest growth rate at 61 per cent, reaching 1.91 billion euros, followed by slower but healthy growth of 28 per cent in February with 1.66 billion euros and a further slowdown to 18 per cent growth in March with exports totaling 2.10 billion euros.

Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association former president Fazlul Hoque said that the significant increase in the EU’s overall apparel imports in the first quarter of 2025 indicated a clear revival of the market.

‘The good news is that buyers are placing orders again — and the even better news is that a significant share of those orders is coming to Bangladesh. It shows we are holding our ground, even as competition intensifies,’ he said.

Fazlul, also the managing director of Plummy Fashions Ltd, cautioned that supply-side risks were mounting, particularly due to energy shortages.

He said that plans to divert gas from power generation could create significant energy supply challenges for the industry, potentially threatening Bangladesh’s ability to sustain or grow its market share.

The European Union market witnessed robust growth in apparel imports during the first quarter of 2025. Total apparel import value increased from about €19.44 billion in Q1 2024 to €23.45 billion in Q1 2025 — a rise of 20.6 per cent.

Knit apparel imports increased by 23.6 per cent, rising from €9.53 billion to €11.78 billion, while woven apparel imports grew 18 per cent, from €9.90 billion to €11.67 billion. Overall, EU apparel imports rose by more than €4.9 billion year-on-year.

In volume terms, the EU’s apparel imports also recorded a significant increase. Total import volume reached approximately 11.51 million kilograms in Q1 2025, up from 9.57 million kilograms in the same period of 2024 — a 20.3 per cent rise.

Bangladesh’s performance was even more striking when assessed by volume.

Bangladesh’s total apparel exports to the EU rose from 2.90 million kilograms in Q1 2024 to 3.61 million kilograms in Q1 2025 — an increase of 24.6 per cent.

Knitwear volumes grew by 29.5 per cent, from 1.76 million kilograms to 2.28 million kilograms while woven apparel exports increased by 17.1 per cent, reaching 1.33 million kilograms.

China retained its position as the EU’s largest apparel supplier by value. Its exports rose from €4.92 billion in Q1 2024 to €6.35 billion in Q1 2025, marking a 29 per cent increase. Knitwear shipments to the EU grew by 32.7 per cent, while woven apparel rose by 25.5 per cent.

Turkey saw a slight decline in total apparel exports, which fell by 0.9 per cent from €2.28 billion to €2.26 billion. While knit exports rose marginally by 1.5 per cent, woven apparel declined by 4.1 per cent — possibly reflecting changing competitiveness or supply chain dynamics.

India achieved solid growth, with EU imports rising from €1.07 billion to €1.37 billion — a 27.8 per cent increase. Knitwear grew by 34 per cent and woven by 22 per cent, indicating a broader improvement in India’s access to the EU market.

Vietnam’s apparel exports to the EU expanded by 22 per cent to €1.08 billion, supported by a 19 per cent rise in knitwear and a 24 per cent increase in woven apparel.

Pakistan recorded a 32.8 per cent rise in total exports, which reached €1.03 billion. Knitwear exports increased by 30 per cent, while woven apparel grew by 36 per cent.

Cambodia reported the fastest growth among all listed suppliers, with EU apparel imports rising by 37.8 per cent to €1.11 billion. Knitwear exports grew by 35 per cent, and woven garments surged by 41 per cent.