In 2017 Bangladesh’s exports of denim products to the US grew 9.55 per cent compared to 2016. Bangladesh also imports denim fabrics. The top sources of denim imports are: China, Pakistan, Hong Kong, India, Thailand and Turkey.

But Bangladesh produces mostly 100 per cent cotton denim fabrics and not the blended denim variety which has high demand globally. Denim enterprises in Bangladesh will do well if they give due consideration to manufacturing blended denim as well. The Bangladeshi denim sector needs to consider the increasing global market preference for blended denim. Slim fit and stretch jeans are the preferred casual wear for men and women in the West. Fashion trend is shifting towards more body contour, flexibility, ease of wear, breathability and lightness of fabric -- all properties of blended denim. Those currently planning for investment in production of denim fabrics will be better off to include blended denim in their product line.

For cotton denim, the largest exporter to Bangladesh is Pakistan, followed by China and India. For blended denim fabrics, the top exporter to Bangladesh is China. China holds about 70 per cent of the import market share in Bangladesh for blended denim.