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Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) exports to the European Union grew 5.97 per cent year-on-year in 2025, reaching €19.41 billion, according to data from Eurostat.

The earnings rose from €18.31 billion in 2024, reaffirming the EU’s position as Bangladesh’s largest apparel market. However, the year ended on a weaker note. December shipments fell more than 12 per cent to €1.35 billion, down from €1.54 billion a year earlier.

Overall EU apparel imports also slipped 2.27 per cent in December to €6.94 billion.

Volatile monthly trend

Export performance fluctuated sharply through the year. Bangladesh posted a strong 61 per cent growth in January, followed by 26.64 per cent in February and 18.54 per cent in March.

Growth moderated to 5.97 per cent in April before turning negative in May, when exports declined 10.92 per cent year-on-year.

Shipments rebounded in June with a 20.42 per cent increase and expanded 6.87 per cent in July. August saw a 7.73 per cent contraction, followed by a 15.66 per cent recovery in September. Exports dropped again in October by 19.67 per cent and fell 10.87 per cent in November.

Despite the volatility, full-year growth remained positive.

Rising competition

Industry insiders say Bangladesh is facing intensifying competition in the EU market, particularly from China, as exporters redirect shipments amid shifts in global trade dynamics following the new US tariff regime.

Mohiuddin Rubel, additional managing director of Denim Expert Ltd, said Bangladesh’s exports to the EU increased both in value and volume — with volume rising 10.20 per cent — though average unit prices declined by 3.84 per cent.

He noted that China reduced its unit prices by 9.38 per cent while increasing export volume by 11.64 per cent and value by 1.17 per cent, signalling an aggressive push into the European market.

Other competitors also posted gains. China earned €26.58 billion from the EU in 2025, up 1.17 per cent. India recorded 7.99 per cent growth to €4.54 billion.

Cambodia delivered one of the strongest performances, with exports rising 14.66 per cent to €4.49 billion. Vietnam and Pakistan also expanded shipments by 9.66 per cent and 9.64 per cent, earning €4.37 billion and €3.85 billion respectively.

EU import growth modest

The EU’s total apparel imports in 2025 stood at €89.99 billion, marking modest growth of 2.10 per cent from €88.14 billion in 2024.

Analysts say while Bangladesh has maintained steady annual growth, sustaining momentum will depend on improving competitiveness, protecting margins and navigating intensifying price competition in its largest export destination.