Bangladesh RMG Exports To US Slip, Market Share Rises
Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) exports to the United States, its largest export destination, declined marginally by 0.91% year-on-year to US$ 792 million in January 2026, according to data from the Office of Textiles and Apparel. Exports stood at US$ 799 million in the same month last year.
Despite the dip in value, Bangladesh emerged as the second-largest apparel exporter to the US by value during the month, overtaking China, although it remained third in terms of market share.
The overall US apparel import market contracted sharply, with total imports falling 13.51% to US$ 6.22 billion in January 2026, reflecting weakened demand and broader economic slowdown. Most major sourcing countries, including Bangladesh, recorded negative growth, with the exception of Vietnam and Indonesia.
In volume terms, Bangladesh’s exports rose 1.18% to 264.04 million square metres, indicating pricing pressure. The average unit price declined to US$ 3 per square metre equivalent (SME), down 2.06% from US$ 3.06 a year earlier.
Bangladesh’s market share in the US increased to 10.65% from 9.44%, largely due to a steep decline in China’s share. China’s exports fell significantly, with its market share dropping to 12.54%.
Vietnam retained its position as the top apparel exporter to the US, with shipments rising 3.09% to US$ 1.49 billion, capturing an 18.92% market share.
Among other suppliers, India ranked fourth with exports of US$ 385 million, down 18.3%, while Indonesia and Cambodia posted growth of 7.22% and 25.35%, respectively. Imports from Mexico and Pakistan declined during the period.
Industry stakeholders attributed the mixed performance to global economic headwinds, tariff pressures and shifting sourcing strategies. Mohiuddin Rubel, former director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said reduced US buying from global suppliers has impacted export performance. He emphasized the need for Bangladesh to focus on value-added products, innovation and market diversification to remain competitive.
He also cautioned that prolonged geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, could further disrupt export momentum.
On an annual basis, Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the US reached US$ 8.2 billion in 2025, up from US$ 7.34 billion in 2024, indicating a broader growth trend despite short-term fluctuations.
