Bangladesh Secures Second Spot in Apparel Exports with Slow Growth
Published At: July 9, 2025Despite retaining its position as the world’s second-largest apparel exporter, Bangladesh is facing intensifying competition from Vietnam, which has emerged as a formidable rival in the global textile trade.
which could further impact export performance. Courtesy: Collected
According to World Trade Organization (WTO) data for 2024, Bangladesh recorded $38.48 billion in apparel exports with a marginal growth rate of 0.21%, while Vietnam posted $33.94 billion in exports, supported by a strong 9.34% growth rate.
The global apparel market expanded to $557.50 billion in 2024, registering a 7.08% increase from $520.62 billion in 2023, signaling a post-pandemic recovery and robust consumer demand across major markets.
China continues to dominate the market, exporting $165.24 billion worth of apparel with a modest 0.30% growth rate, securing a 29.64% market share. Bangladesh followed with a 6.90% share, while Vietnam climbed to 6.09%, reflecting its accelerating momentum.
Other key apparel-exporting nations include:
- Turkey: $17.91 billion
- India: $16.36 billion
- Cambodia: $9.89 billion
- Pakistan: $9.28 billion
- Indonesia: $8.73 billion
- USA: $7.00 billion
Export growth varied across these countries, ranging from 24.19% to -4.42%, indicating both opportunities and challenges in different regions.
Speaking on the shifting landscape, Mohiuddin Rubel, former Director of Brand BGMEA and Managing Director of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, noted the increasing competition Bangladesh faces in the global apparel market.
He cautioned that U.S. tariffs on Bangladeshi goods could rise if current tariff barriers persist, which could further impact export performance.
As the global apparel industry continues to rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, new competitive pressures, evolving trade policies, and sustainability demands are reshaping the sector's dynamics.
For Bangladesh, sustaining its global standing will require strategic policy action, diversification, and innovation to fend off rising contenders like Vietnam.
Apparel Growth Export
