Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the European Union have recorded significant growth at the beginning of 2025, rising by 60.9 per cent to €1.91 billion in January, compared to €1.19 billion in the same month of 2024.

The country’s Knitwear exports to the 27-nation economic bloc in the first month of 2025 surged by 64.2 per cent, while woven apparel exports increased by 56.3 per cent, according to data from the Eurostat, the statistical office of the EU, released on March 18.

In terms of quantity, the country’s readymade garment exports to the EU also witnessed a substantial surge in the first month of 2025 increasing by 58.10 per cent to 126.86 million kilogram from 80.25 million kilogram in the same month of previous year.

This substantial growth solidifies Bangladesh’s position as a key supplier to the European market, driven by competitive pricing, preferential trade facilities under Everything But Arms (EBA) and improvements in production capacity.

Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association former president Fazlul Hoque described the growth as ‘encouraging,’ saying that the industry was rebounding.

He said that, similar to the US market, the EU market was also improving after a prolonged period of weakness.

Fazlul Hoque explained that with the economy improving, consumers were purchasing more apparel, leading to increased demand in the EU market.

DBL Group vice chairman MA Rahim Feroz said that the group’s exports had reached a record high of $500 million for the first time, made possible by dedicated efforts to enhance productivity and efficiency through modern technology, which also improved operator performance.

He said that overall growth had been driven by increased capacity, efficiency, and productivity.

Additionally, Rahim observed that work orders from China were shifting to other garment-producing countries, including Bangladesh.

Data showed that the overall apparel imports by the EU from different countries in January 2025 witnessed a significant surge in January 2025, with total imports reaching 8.29 billion euros, up 31.9 per cent from 6.28 billion euros in January 2024.

China, the largest apparel supplier to the EU, maintained strong growth, with total exports increasing by 40.9 per cent to 2.38 billion euros in January 2025.

The country’s knitwear exports to the EU grew by 45.3 per cent to 1.23 billion euros, while woven exports rose by 36.4 per cent to 1.14 billion euros.

Bangladesh remained the second-largest apparel exporter to the EU after China.

The EU’s apparel imports from Turkey in January 2025 increased by 5.4 per cent to 874.09 million euros from 829.21 million euros in the same month of 2024.

Cambodia’s apparel exports to the EU in January 2025 surged by 72.5 per cent—the highest among major exporting countries—reaching 420.9 million euros. Knitwear exports rose by 71.6 per cent to 256.2 million euros, while woven apparel jumped by 73.9 per cent to 164.7 million euros.

The EU’s apparel imports from India increased by 44.5 per cent year-on-year, reaching 397.7 million euros in January 2025.

Vietnam’s apparel exports to the EU in January 2025 climbed by 34.3 per cent to 398.6 million euros, with knitwear rising by 26 per cent and woven apparel increasing by 40.7 per cent.

Exporters said that Vietnam’s steady expansion underscores its appeal as a reliable sourcing hub, benefiting from a well-developed supply chain and free trade agreements such as the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, which offers preferential tariffs on many textile products.

Pakistan’s apparel exports to the EU grew by 31.9 per cent, reaching 347.7 million euros in January 2025.

In January 2025, the Pakistan’s woven apparel exports to the EU increased by 42.8 per cent to 175.6 million euros, while knitwear grew by 22.5 per cent to 172.1 million euros.