Bangladesh has solidified its position as the top supplier of women’s cotton trousers and shorts to the US, leveraging cost efficiency and tariff-free exports to outpace competitors like Vietnam, China, and Pakistan.
With a Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) of 72.80 and a Unit Value Realization (UVR) of $15.62/kg, Bangladesh offers highly competitive pricing, making its products attractive to US buyers.
Competitor Landscape:
- Vietnam, the second-largest exporter, holds an RCA of 1.16 but faces challenges with a higher UVR of $18.52/kg, limiting its competitiveness in budget-friendly segments despite strong overall exports.
- China, previously a dominant player, is losing ground due to US tariffs—initially 10% in February 2025, rising to 20% in March 2025. This has increased its UVR from $8.31/kg to $9.97/kg, making its products less competitive.
- Pakistan remains stable with an RCA of 67.61 and a UVR of $15.93/kg, closely competing with Bangladesh. With tariff-free exports, Pakistan could gain market share as China struggles.
Evolving trade policies, especially tariffs on Chinese exports, are expected to reshape market dynamics, potentially opening new opportunities for emerging suppliers while reinforcing Bangladesh’s leadership in the segment.
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