BD's Apparel Exports to US Grow Amid Global Pressure

While US apparel imports overall saw modest growth—1.82% in value and 5.88% in volume—average unit prices dropped by 3.83%, reflecting the growing challenges of maintaining profitability in a competitive market. Mohiuddin Rubel, former director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), highlighted this trend, noting the downward pricing pressure.

Despite these market challenges, Bangladesh has managed to maintain its position, achieving a slight 0.73% increase in export value to the US, reaching US$7.34 billion. The country also saw a 4.86% rise in export volume. However, similar to global trends, Bangladesh's average unit price dropped by 3.94%, which continues to impact overall profitability.

When compared to other key apparel exporting nations, Bangladesh’s growth appears more moderate. Vietnam led the charge with a 5.67% increase in value and a 9.47% rise in volume, while India experienced substantial growth, posting a 4.95% increase in value and a 13.09% rise in volume. Cambodia emerged as a standout performer, with a remarkable 14.48% increase in value and an 18.45% boost in volume, showing its rising competitive edge in the global market.

In contrast, Mexico and South Korea struggled with declining exports. Mexico's apparel exports saw a 6.78% decrease in value and a 15.18% drop in volume, while South Korea faced a 12.94% reduction in value and a 5.56% drop in volume.

While Bangladesh's performance in the US market is steady, its relatively slower growth compared to other top exporters highlights the need for strategic changes to bolster its competitiveness.

As global trade tensions rise, they could present new opportunities for Bangladesh. However, to truly capitalize on these potential advantages, Bangladesh must focus on addressing its own challenges, streamlining production, and finding ways to enhance its value proposition in an increasingly price-sensitive market.