Bangladesh's apparel exports to the European Union (EU) fell by 3.53% in the first eight months of 2024, with shipments valued at $12.91 billion.
The decline reflects a broader trend in the EU’s apparel imports, which dropped by 3.63% during the same period, as global demand for apparel continues to weaken.
The EU’s overall apparel imports fell from $61.56 billion during the same period in 2023 to $59.32 billion in 2024, marking a significant reduction in consumer demand, according to data from Eurostat compiled by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

China, the largest supplier to the EU, experienced a 4.10% drop, with exports totaling $15.62 billion in the January-August period. Other key exporters, including Turkey and India, also saw declines, with Turkey’s exports down by 7.52% to $6.84 billion and India’s by 2.73% to $3.34 billion. Vietnam recorded a 2.09% decrease, bringing its exports to $2.65 billion.
While major suppliers faced downward trends, some countries reported growth. Cambodia’s apparel exports to the EU surged by 12.78%, Pakistan saw a 7.3% rise, and Morocco experienced a 6.09% increase. These gains suggest potential shifts in sourcing preferences within the global apparel market, as supply chain dynamics continue to evolve.