Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association has urged international retailers and brands to increase their sourcing from Bangladesh, highlighting the country’s competitive tariff advantage in the United States compared to rivals like India and China. The call was made during a meeting with global buyers at the BGMEA headquarters in Dhaka on 2nd September where around 42 representatives from European, American, and Asian companies were present.
A push for greater market share
Following the meeting, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan said he appealed to retailers to consider Bangladesh as a stronger sourcing hub at a time when shifting global trade dynamics—particularly the higher US tariffs on India and China—are creating new opportunities for Bangladeshi exporters. “Bangladesh offers relative tariff advantages and strong production capacity. This is the right moment for global buyers to expand sourcing here,” Khan said.
Need for harmonized compliance standards
Khan also stressed the importance of developing a unified code of conduct for audits and compliance across the apparel industry. “Suppliers face significant challenges because different companies impose different compliance standards. If all sourcing firms followed a uniform code on social, environmental, and compliance audits, it would ease the pressure on manufacturers,” he noted.
Broader trade concerns
BGMEA additionally called on US retailers and brands to explore ways to reduce tariffs on Bangladeshi apparel, which would help boost the country’s market share in the world’s largest fashion market. Discussions also focused on product diversification, with BGMEA emphasizing the need to move beyond basic items into higher-value categories to attract more business.
Global engagement
The buyers’ forum, attended by representatives from major sourcing destinations across Europe, North America, and Asia, provided a platform for open dialogue between Bangladesh’s apparel exporters and international stakeholders.
Industry leaders believe such engagement is critical as Bangladesh seeks to consolidate its position as the second-largest apparel exporter globally while navigating growing competition from Vietnam, India, and other emerging markets.
