Bangladesh's export earnings from ready-made garment (RMG) sector grew by 12 per cent to $23.55 billion during the July-January period in FY25, as compared to the same period in FY24. As per a report by Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), RMG exports grew by 1.38 per cent, while overall apparel exports increased by 5.7 per cent Y-o-Y to $4.4 billion in January 2025. c Despite this, these figures don't reflect the full picture, warn experts as the industry continues to face price and cost pressures. There is a need for further analysis of market-specific performance and product concentration, emphasizes Mohiuddin Rubel, Former Director, BGMEA. Shrinking global trade and intense price competition makes it mandatory for Bangladesh to address internal challenges like energy security and financial stability, he adds.

In January 2025, knitwear exports by Bangladesh grew by 6.62 per cent while exports of woven garments rose by 4.52 per cent. Home textiles grew by 6.22 per cent to $493.86 million. However, jute and jute goods exports declined by 8.35 per cent to $484.31 million.

Abdullah Hil Rakib, Team Group opines, shifting global trade pattern present the industry with more growth opportunities. However, to capitalize on these the government needs to introduce new policies aligning with the industry’s needs, he emphasizes.

The recently increased US import duties on Chinese goods can serve as an opportunity for Bangladesh with more orders being diverted to the country, says Mohamad Hatem, President, BKMEA. However, rising production costs, utility challenges, and the need for improved law and order to restore buyer confidence, can challenge profit margins for manufacturers, he warns.