RMG exports to EU drop 19.67pc in Oct

The country's readymade garment (RMG) exports to the European Union (EU) recorded a significant 19.67 per cent year-on-year decline in October this year as the bloc's overall apparel imports fell during the month.

According to Eurostat data published on December 16, Bangladesh exported garment items worth €1.40 billion in October this year, down from €1.75 billion in October last year. The EU's overall apparel imports in October 2025 declined by 14.55 per cent to €7.37 billion from €8.63 billion in the corresponding month of 2024, according to Eurostat data.

Data analysis revealed that the country recorded over 61 per cent growth in January and kept maintaining momentum in February and March with 26.64 per cent and 18.54 per cent growth, respectively. Growth slowed down in April to 5.97 per cent while witnessed a negative growth of 10.92 per cent in May.

However, June witnessed a robust recovery as total exports grew by 20.42 per cent followed by a 6.87 per cent growth in July. August recorded a contraction as EU imports from Bangladesh fell by 7.73 per cent before a temporary rebound of 15.66 per cent in September.

Industry insiders said Bangladesh's garment exports to its largest destination, the EU, have been facing stiff competition as major competitors-particularly China-is significantly increasing its shipments there especially after the imposition of new US tariff regime. China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Pakistan have gradually increased their presence in the EU over a decade while the trade race has intensified since new US tariff regime came into effect, they said.

Talking to the FE, Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, Executive President of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), said that Bangladesh is facing challenges in the EU where the economy is undergoing difficulties while major competitors like China have been focusing on that market due to high US tariffs on China's goods.

He said China is expanding its share on the EU market aggressively by offering 'much lower prices' to buyers to offset US market-share decline. However, Bangladesh's total garment exports from January to October this year sustained 9.45 per cent growth to fetch €16.67 billion, up from €15.23 billion in the corresponding period of 2024.

China recorded 7.15 per cent growth during the first ten months of 2025 and fetched €22.24 billion. India fetched €4.01 billion marking 8.83 per cent growth during the period, while Cambodia posted a particularly strong performance, with exports surging to €3.73 billion recording 16.15 per cent growth.

Munni_fe@yahoo.com