Denim exports to EU rebound in August

Bangladesh's denim exports to the European Union (EU) rebounded in August 2026, growing 12.71% year-on-year to €134.08 million, although shipments remained in negative territory for the first eight months of the year, according to Eurostat data.
Exports rose from €118.96 million in August last year, outperforming the overall EU denim import market, which grew 11.23% to €430.16 million during the month.
Bangladesh's share of the EU denim market increased to 31.2% in August from 30.8% a year earlier, reflecting an improvement in its competitive position.
However, the August recovery was not enough to offset weaker performance earlier in the year.
During January-August 2026, Bangladesh's denim exports to the EU declined 5.85% to €869.13 million from €923.11 million in the corresponding period last year, a drop of nearly €54 million.
The decline was steeper than the overall EU denim import market's 4.40% contraction to €2.96 billion.
As a result, Bangladesh's market share slipped to 29.40% during the eight-month period from around 29.9% a year earlier.
Despite the decline, Bangladesh retained its position as the EU's largest denim supplier, with exports exceeding those of second-ranked Pakistan by approximately €344 million.
Pakistan's denim exports to the EU rose 14.99% year-on-year to €87.71 million in August. 
However, its cumulative shipments fell 7.88% to €525.49 million during January-August, accounting for 17.78% of the market.
Turkey, the third-largest supplier, recorded a sharper downturn. Its August exports dropped 13.26% to €58.84 million, while eight-month shipments plunged 21.08% to €438.25 million, giving it a 14.82% market share.
Several other major suppliers also experienced declining exports during the eight-month period.
Tunisia's shipments fell 6.44% to €219.94 million, Cambodia's declined 6.47% to €144.83 million, and Morocco's dropped 14.48% to €63.87 million.
In contrast, Egypt emerged as one of the fastest-growing denim suppliers to the EU.
Its exports surged 59.57% year-on-year to €30.67 million in August, while cumulative shipments increased 31.46% to €188.14 million during January-August, capturing a 6.36% market share.
China also recorded strong growth, with its eight-month denim exports rising 17.70% to €197.13 million, representing 6.67% of the EU market.
Vietnam and India, despite their relatively smaller market shares, registered notable gains. 
Vietnam's exports jumped 45.38% to €53.98 million, while India's shipments increased 18.62% to €31.40 million during the eight-month period.
Bangladesh's cumulative export decline was nevertheless less severe than those recorded by several competitors, including Pakistan, Turkey, Tunisia, Cambodia and Morocco.
Former Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Director Mohiuddin Rubel said Bangladesh had maintained a strong foothold in the EU denim market despite the broader slowdown in apparel imports.
He attributed the country's competitive position to its established supply chain, skilled workforce and growing technological capabilities.
Rubel said Bangladesh had built a solid foundation in denim manufacturing over the years, enabling it to remain competitive in major export destinations, particularly the EU and the United States.