Bangladesh’s garment exports continued to decline for the third consecutive month, marking a sharper drop than last year’s turbulent export performance.
After a strong start in July, exports from the apparel sector fell steadily over the next three months. Garment exports fell 4.75% in August, 5.66% in September, and 8.39% in October, according to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).
The overall export earnings also fell for three straight months — down 2.93% in August, 4.61% in September, and 7.43% in October.
In October, apparel exports brought in $3.02 billion, compared with $3.30 billion in the same month last year — a decline of $280 million. In September, garment exports dropped to $2.84 billion from $3.01 billion a year earlier, while in August they fell to $3.16 billion from $3.25 billion.
EPB data show that woven garment exports dropped 5.33% in October and knitwear exports fell 10.76%. Woven exports stood at $1.36 billion in October this fiscal year, down from $1.43 billion a year earlier. In September, woven exports declined 5.54% to $1.20 billion, while knitwear exports fell 5.75% to $1.63 billion.
In August, woven garment exports decreased 2.65%, and knitwear exports declined 6.34%.
Exporters said most global buyers have halted new orders due to tariff impacts. They expect the slowdown to continue for another two to three months but believe the situation could improve once international buyers adjust to the new tariff structure.
Meanwhile, Chinese and Indian manufacturers are increasing exports to non-US markets to offset losses from the American market, intensifying competition for Bangladeshi exporters. Buyers who once purchased 10 pieces are now ordering only five, traders said.
Kazi Mizanur Rahman, director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), told Bangladesh Pratidin that US tariffs have significantly hurt apparel exports. “There’s also a decline in purchasing power. Buyers are purchasing half the quantity they used to. India and China are targeting our European markets and taking orders at lower prices,” he said.
Mohammad Rashed, vice-president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), said the industry is going through a difficult time. “Because of overall uncertainty in the country, international buyers are hesitant to place new orders. The situation may worsen in the coming months,” he said.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
