Bangladesh’s garment exports to Japan grew 15.6% in FY 2024–25, reaching US $1.18 billion, making Japan the country’s largest non-traditional export market. Exports to all non-traditional markets rose 10.4% to US $1.15 billion, accounting for 16.1% of total RMG exports.
However, Bangladesh still supplies only 5.5% of Japan’s apparel imports, valued at US $22.86 billion in 2024, highlighting significant untapped potential.
Industry experts stress that Japan’s market demands premium quality, design, sustainability, and long-term partnerships, areas where Bangladesh has improved, with over 50 local exporters already supplying outerwear, loungewear, denim, and knitwear.
To strengthen its position, Bangladesh needs better trade facilitation, faster supply chains, and stronger branding. As Western demand slows, Japan offers a stable, high-value growth opportunity for Bangladesh’s RMG sector.
