Bangladesh has a target of reaching 50 billion dollars in export of denim products by 2021. The country hopes to gain fresh ground in overseas denim markets with fashion and higher end products. Retailers and wholesalers from Japan, Turkey, India, and even China are switching to Bangladesh which they consider as a reliable source for finely stitched clothes at competitive prices.

There are some 22 denim manufacturing units in the country. The largest player has a two million yard capacity. It is installing equipment to enhance output to five million yards and aims to be one of the world’s largest denim makers.

Bangladesh’s denim industry got off the ground nearly two decades ago with basic denim. But in the last few years, some manufacturers have installed capacity for developing mid range and superior grade denims.

Fashion denim using Lycra and spandex fibers is now being produced in the country and the industry is going for value-added dyeing and finishing in denims with laser applications, replacing the age-old sand blasting. Increased shipment of high value jeans and denim wear may help Bangladesh suppliers take some share away from Turkey, which is famous in the global market for premium quality denim.