Bangladesh’s garment exports to non-traditional markets have grown by 26.37 per cent in the first ten months of the year. The US, Canada, and Europe are considered traditional markets. All others are known as non-traditional markets. Among these are Chile, China, Japan, India, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, South Africa and Russia.

At one time Bangladesh apparel makers hesitated to go into a new market because of the trouble and effort involved. Moreover, when a manufacturer entered a new market, they needed to lower the product price. So garment manufacturers were dissuaded from exploring markets. But since cash incentives were offered in 2010, garment owners started exploring new destinations and markets. Presently, non-traditional markets contribute 15 per cent to 16 per cent of Bangladesh’s total export earnings. These markets offer duty-free access to Bangladesh apparel exporters. China, for instance, the world’s biggest apparel supplier, allows duty-free access to over 5000 Bangladesh products. Bangladesh’s earnings from exports to China have grown 37.48 per cent.

Accord and Alliance have helped to remediate factories in Bangladesh and prompted factory owners to emphasise workplace safety, which has eventually lifted the country’s image in the eyes of foreign buyers. Among the top ten green garment factories in the world, the first seven are located in Bangladesh.