BGMEA Seeks US Man-Made Fibre Imports To Cut China Dependence

After recently unveiling plans to import cotton from the United States to help reduce the trade deficit, Bangladesh’s garment industry is now keen to source more man-made fibres such as polyester and nylon from the US, a market segment currently dominated by China.

The interest was expressed during a meeting between leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and a US Embassy delegation in Dhaka on Wednesday.

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu said the sector is ready to import US-produced man-made fibres if the American textile industry can supply them. Responding to this, Foreign Commercial Service Attaché Paul G. Frost assured that discussions would be held with relevant US government departments to explore possibilities.

The meeting also covered a recent US executive order allowing Bangladeshi garment exports to be proportionately exempt from a newly imposed 20% additional duty, provided at least 20% of raw materials in these garments are sourced from the US.

Another key proposal was the establishment of a warehouse near Chattogram Port to speed up cotton imports from the US, potentially as a Bangladeshi initiative, a US-led project, or a joint venture.

Labour and energy issues were also discussed. The BGMEA president said ensuring stable labour conditions is a top priority, highlighting his board’s engagement with 81 workers’ federations to foster harmonious industrial relations. He also briefed the delegation on progress in legal reforms to strengthen labour rights and welfare.

The US delegation underscored the global expectation supported by the ILO, European Union, and others, for Bangladesh to align its labour laws with international standards. BGMEA leaders stressed the importance of maintaining close communication with the US Embassy to ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings on labour issues.