US demand sparks 20% jump in Bangladesh RMG exports
Bangladesh has posted a strong rebound in the US apparel market, registering a 19.82 per cent surge in export value during January-August 2025, according to newly released US trade data.
The rise pushed Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the US to $5.64 billion, far outpacing the modest 3.32 per cent growth in America’s overall global apparel imports during the same period.
Industry analysts say the increase was driven primarily by higher shipment volumes, supported by stable unit prices. Bangladesh’s average unit price rose only 1.08 per cent, indicating that the growth was overwhelmingly volume-led.
Globally, the US imported $53.01 billion worth of apparel, reflecting a 3.32 per cent rise in value, 1.41 per cent growth in units (SME), and a 1.88 per cent increase in average unit price.
Bangladesh’s gains come at a time when China – the world’s largest apparel supplier – is facing a sharp downturn in the US market.
China’s apparel exports to the US recorded a steep 25.45 per cent decline in value and an 18.90 per cent drop in shipment volume, opening up market opportunities now being captured by South and Southeast Asian competitors.
Across the region, export performance varied but remained largely strong.
Cambodia posted the fastest growth, with export value up 28.62 per cent and volume surging 37.87 per cent, although its unit price fell 6.71 per cent.
India and Indonesia recorded robust growth of 16.09 per cent and 15.96 per cent respectively.
Vietnam saw a solid 15.69 per cent rise in export value, maintaining pricing stability with a marginal 0.64 per cent increase in unit price – similar to Bangladesh.
Pakistan registered a 13.40 per cent rise in value, driven by a 20.25 per cent increase in volume, but its average price dropped 5.70 per cent.
The data, shared by Mohiuddin Rubel, former BGMEA director and Managing Director of the Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, underscores Bangladesh’s strengthening foothold in its largest export market, even as overall US import demand remains relatively subdued.
Source: UNB