Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the UK from July to December grew only 1.30 per cent. Uncertainty over Britain’s exit from the European Union has made apparel importers in the UK conservative in placing work orders.

However, the UK has committed to providing Bangladesh duty and quota-free market access even after the execution of Brexit. The UK is the third largest market for Bangladesh’s goods. Garments account for more than 80 per cent of Bangladesh’s total exports to the UK. A large number of non-resident Bangladeshis live in the UK.

In a referendum held on June 23, 52 per cent of people in the UK wanted to leave the EU and 48 per cent voted to stay with the union. In the first half of the fiscal year 2017-18, Bangladesh’s apparel exports to Britain saw a 20.70 per cent growth. On the other hand, in fiscal year 2017-18, export growth to the UK was 12.63 per cent. In the July-December period of the current fiscal year, 2018-19, Bangladesh’s earnings were up by 15.65 per cent. Brexit anxiety has also hit the economy of the UK. Economic slowdown in that country, caused by slower job growth and GDP growth, has cut demand for goods.