Bangladesh’s apparel exports to India grew 300 per cent during July to November 2018. Woven items were more in demand from India. Bangladesh’s apparel exports to China during the same period showed a growth of 230 per cent on a year-on-year basis.

India has been growing into a big potential market for Bangladesh’s apparel exporters. Last fiscal, Bangladesh’s apparel exports witnessed a 100 per cent gain in India – a trend which is continuing through to this year and expected to rise.

As China is slowly moving away from the apparel business, it is the opportunity for Bangladesh to enter their space. Many factories in China are switching operations due to a rise in production cost. Buyers may opt for sourcing away from China due to this reason–a void which can benefit emerging apparel exporters like Bangladesh.

Also recent escalations in the trade war between China and the United States are fueling the shift in manufacturing away from China. These two factors can help Bangladesh draw business. And the impact is already visible. During November 2018, Bangladesh’s apparel exports grew 18 per cent. India and China are showing signs of blossoming into major destinations of Bangladesh’s apparel industry.