Bangladesh's ready-made garment exports to the US increased by 6.25 per cent in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the corresponding period last year. However, apparel exports from Vietnam to the US, one of Bangladesh’s main competitors and India grew by 12.11 per cent and 9.36 per cent during the same period.

Due to the accidents in Bangladesh and political unrest, a large number of orders were shifted to Vietnam and India. Buyers are, however, coming back to Bangladesh after they regained confidence mainly due to ongoing safety measures taken by the garment industry.

Vietnam’s exports to the US increased from $8.12 billion in 2013 to $9.26 billion in 2014. India exported apparels worth $3.40 billion last year, which was $3.21 billion in 2013. Bangladesh is still competitive in terms of price, quality and timely shipment.

China’s exports to the US also increased by 4.93 per cent during the January-March period of 2015. India and Vietnam are grabbing orders shifted from China as they are more competitive than Bangladesh because the Bangladeshi currency is appreciating against the US dollar while those of Vietnam and India are depreciating, making imports from Bangladesh costlier.