Bangladesh is rapidly closing the gap with China in readymade garment (RMG) exports to the European Union (EU), showing strong performance despite global economic challenges.
Between January and April 2025, Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the EU rose by 23.98% year-on-year to $8.07 billion, while China’s exports grew 21.49% to $8.39 billion, according to Eurostat data. Bangladesh already surpasses China in terms of volume and is catching up in value.
This growth is driven by duty-free access under the EU’s Everything But Arms (EBA) scheme, increased exports of high-value items like trousers and denim, and a strategic pivot away from the U.S. market due to steep tariffs.
During the same period, Bangladesh’s export volume grew 19.71% and unit price rose 3.57%. Despite pressures from inflation, energy shortages, and geopolitical uncertainty, Bangladesh maintained strong performance, supported by buyer confidence and product diversification.
Other major suppliers like India, Pakistan, and Cambodia also recorded growth, while Turkey saw a decline. Industry leaders say with stable energy and politics, Bangladesh’s RMG exports to the EU could soon overtake China in value as well.
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