Bangladesh continues to be a lucrative destination for global garment buyers. It is a favored destination not only for the competitive price and quality but also for technical upgrades and improved safety after the inspection and remediation.

After a journey of nearly four decades, the country’s production base is gradually shifting to high-end apparel items from basic products. Of the total garment exports from Bangladesh in a year, 40 per cent are high-end value-added garment items. Thanks to the rebound of the economic situation in Europe and the US, retailers and brands are placing work orders in bulk with Bangladesh.

At the same time, Bangladesh’s reputation has also improved due to inspection and remediation of garment factories by Accord and Alliance. However, buyers do not want to pay higher prices, although the cost of production will go up further with wage hike, port congestion and higher transportation cost. Politics is expected to have a more immediate impact than technology. Most businesses anticipate to be affected by tariffs, quotas, protectionism and embargos rather than automation and 3D printing.

Though China is a top sourcing destination, India and Bangladesh are increasingly given preferences for textile sourcing due to their being lower-cost destinations.