RMG exports soar 37pc in early 2025 despite price dip

Staff Reporter :

Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) exports recorded remarkable growth during January-February 2025, rising by 36.99 per cent, supported by a strong 39.02 per cent increase in shipment volume.

However, a 1.46 per cent decline in unit prices highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining profitability in a competitive global market.
Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the European Union (EU) surged to $3.69 billion during the period, compared with $2.69 billion in the corresponding months of 2024.

The EU’s overall apparel imports also witnessed significant growth, increasing by 17.81 per cent to $16.10 billion in January-February 2025. This expansion was accompanied by a 28.66 per cent rise in volume and an 8.44 per cent decrease in average unit prices.

Industry insiders attributed Bangladesh’s export success to several factors, including the production of value-added garments, the EU’s economic recovery, duty-free market access, adherence to stringent safety standards, and effective collaboration between manufacturers and workers.

These developments have strengthened buyer confidence, further solidifying Bangladesh’s standing in the global export landscape.

Looking ahead, the outlook remains positive, with an expected rise in work orders throughout 2025 likely to sustain growth momentum.

As buyers continue expanding their sourcing activities in Bangladesh-particularly amid escalating tensions between the United States and other countries-the sector’s growth trajectory is expected to remain strong.

In comparison, other major apparel-exporting countries also experienced notable performances during the period. China’s apparel exports to the EU reached $4.54 billion, up from $3.63 billion in January-February 2024.

India, Pakistan, and Cambodia recorded exports of $865 million, $711 million, and $775 million, respectively. Conversely, Turkey faced a 3.64 per cent decline in exports, falling to $1.61 billion, while Vietnam posted a 16.58 per cent rise, reaching $759 million.

Commenting on the export data, Mohiuddin Rubel, Former Director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Managing Director of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, and Additional Managing Director of Denim Expert Ltd., said the figures underscore the need for strategic adaptations to ensure future growth.

“Despite Bangladesh’s resilience in maintaining export volumes and values, it is imperative for the country to preserve its competitive advantage and enhance profit margins amid persistent global price pressures,” Rubel noted.

He emphasised that value addition and market expansion will be crucial for Bangladesh’s long-term economic sustainability and prosperity.