Bangladesh's readymade garment exports to the European Union (EU) grew by 36.99 percent year-on-year to $3.69 billion in the January–February period of 2025, buoyed by a robust 39.02 percent increase in shipment volume, according to data from Eurostat.

However, the unit price of apparel exports declined by 1.46 percent during the period, highlighting the challenges in maintaining profitability.

In the corresponding period of 2024, Bangladesh had exported garment products worth $2.69 billion to the EU.

Overall, the EU's apparel imports rose by 17.81 percent to $16.10 billion in the first two months of 2025. This growth was underpinned by a 28.66 percent rise in volume, although average unit prices fell by 8.44 percent.

Several factors contributed to Bangladesh's strong performance, including higher value-added production, the EU's economic recovery, duty-free market access, compliance with safety standards, and collaborative efforts between manufacturers and workers, said Mohiuddin Rubel, former director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

These developments have strengthened buyer confidence, further consolidating Bangladesh's position in the global apparel market, he added.

Looking ahead, the outlook remains positive, with an expected rise in work orders throughout 2025 likely to sustain the growth momentum. The trend is anticipated to continue as buyers increasingly expand their sourcing from Bangladesh, particularly amid rising tensions between the United States and other countries.

Among other major suppliers, China, India, Pakistan, and Cambodia also posted substantial growth in apparel exports to the EU during the first two months of the current year.

China's exports rose to $4.54 billion, up from $3.63 billion in the same period last year.

Conversely, Turkey experienced a 3.64 percent decline in apparel exports to the EU, reaching $1.61 billion, while Vietnam recorded a 16.58 percent increase, with exports totalling $759 million.

India, Pakistan, and Cambodia secured $865 million, $711 million, and $775 million respectively from the EU clothing market during the initial two months of the year.

The data underscore the necessity for strategic adaptation to drive future growth. Despite Bangladesh's resilience in maintaining export levels in both volume and value, sustaining competitiveness and improving profit margins remain critical amid persistent global price pressures.

Value addition and the expansion of market reach will be pivotal to ensuring Bangladesh's economic sustainability and future prosperity, Rubel added.