Bangladesh maintains a strong foothold in the US apparel market despite a broader downturn in overall imports

Despite a contraction in the United States apparel import market in 2025, Bangladesh recorded robust growth, further cementing its status as a major supplier to the world’s largest consumer market.

Data from the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA) show that total US apparel imports reached $77.88 billion during January–December 2025, reflecting a 1.74 percent decline compared with the same period in 2024.

In volume terms, measured in square metre equivalent (SME), imports fell by 3.70 percent, while the average unit price rose by 2.03 percent, suggesting ongoing pricing pressures amid weaker demand.

In contrast to the broader downturn, US apparel imports from Bangladesh climbed to $8.20 billion in 2025 — the second-highest annual total on record — marking a strong 11.71 percent increase over January–December 2024.

In December 2025 alone, imports from Bangladesh rose 3.33 percent year-on-year.

Bangladesh’s share of total US apparel imports stood at 10.53 percent in 2025, reinforcing its position as one of the leading sourcing destinations for American buyers.

Among other major suppliers in 2025, Vietnam accounted for 21.50 percent of total US apparel imports, followed by China at 13.66 percent. India held a 6.35 percent share, Cambodia 6.20 percent, and Indonesia 5.98 percent.

Although China continues to lose ground in the US apparel market, Bangladesh and Vietnam demonstrated comparable trends in value growth, unit price movement, and volume performance. However, Vietnam retains a considerably larger overall market share.

The data further indicate that growth slowed in the second half of 2025 compared with the first half, with imports in the final quarter falling short of expectations amid uncertainty over reciprocal tariffs and subdued consumer demand.

Even in this challenging environment, Bangladesh’s export performance highlights its competitiveness, expanding product range, and strengthening compliance standards within the global apparel supply chain.

Speaking to BSS, Mohiuddin Rubel, former director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association and additional managing director of Denim Expert Ltd., said Bangladesh performed strongly overall despite uncertainty stemming from reciprocal tariffs and softer demand.

“China is clearly losing ground in the US apparel market, while Bangladesh and Vietnam are showing similar trends in value, unit price, and volume growth, although Vietnam still commands a much larger overall share,” he said.

Rubel added that Bangladesh’s sustained expansion in the US market reflects buyers’ confidence and the industry’s ability to adapt to shifting global dynamics.