US RMG imports from BD sees broad decline

United States apparel imports experienced a broad decline in the first half of 2026, according to recent data from the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA).

Total apparel imports fell to $35.09 billion during the January-June period of 2026, marking an 8.04 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2025.

In terms of volume, measured in square metre equivalent (SME), imports dropped by 8.50 percent, while the average unit price saw a slight rise of 0.50 percent.

Apparel imports from Bangladesh by the US totalled $4.01 billion in the first six months of 2026, down by 5.75 percent year-on-year, reports UNB.

However, for the single month of June 2026, imports from Bangladesh grew by 5.74 percent compared to June 2025, reaching $763.57 million.

In terms of import value during the January-June period, Cambodia posted the highest growth at +12.32 percent, followed by Indonesia +3.40 percent and Vietnam +1.08 percent.

Conversely, major supplying countries recorded declines, with Pakistan down 3.50 percent, Bangladesh down 5.75 percent, India down 25.27 percent, and China seeing the steepest decline at 37.69 percent, reports UNB.

In terms of import volume, Cambodia +14.59 percent, Indonesia +10.89 percent, Vietnam +3.30 percent, and Pakistan +2.26 percent all achieved positive growth.

On the other hand, Bangladesh’s import volume dropped by 3.69 percent, while India experienced a 22.74 percent fall and China’s volume dropped by 26.30 percent.

Regarding average unit prices, all major suppliers saw a reduction. Unit prices for both Vietnam and Bangladesh fell by 2.15 percent, while Cambodia dropped 1.98 percent, India dropped 3.28 percent, Pakistan dropped 5.63 percent, Indonesia dropped 6.75 percent, and China dropped 15.46 percent.

Analysing the trends, Mohiuddin Rubel, founder and chief executive officer of Bangladesh Apparel Voice (BAV), noted that Bangladesh’s decline in the first half of 2026 was smaller than those of China and India, and remained roughly in line with Pakistan’s performance.