US apparel imports from Bangladesh surge 26.62% despite global decline

The United States’ apparel imports from Bangladesh rose sharply by 26.62 percent between 2015 and 2024, even as the country’s overall apparel import volume dropped by 5.30 percent, according to the latest data from the US Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA).

Among Bangladesh’s key competitors, performance varied significantly. China saw an 18.36 percent decline, while Vietnam and India recorded notable growth of 32.96 percent and 34.13 percent, respectively. Indonesia’s exports to the US fell 19.82 percent, whereas Cambodia’s rose by 10.78 percent.

In terms of pricing, the global average unit price of apparel fell by 1.71 percent. China and India experienced price drops of 33.80 percent and 4.56 percent, while Vietnam and Indonesia saw price increases of 6.64 percent and 7.38 percent, respectively. Bangladesh’s unit price climbed 7.30 percent, reflecting its growing focus on higher-value garments.

Industry analysts said the figures indicate Bangladesh is maintaining a unit price close to the global average, but there remains considerable scope for improvement.

“When compared with Vietnam and India, it’s clear Bangladesh has significant potential to enhance its unit price,” said Mohiuddin Rubel, former director of BGMEA and Managing Director of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange. “That improvement could increase export earnings without expanding production volumes.”

Rubel noted that Vietnam’s success in exporting value-added products offers key lessons for Bangladesh. Despite Vietnam’s export value being nearly equal to China’s, its export volume is less than half, thanks to higher-value garments priced at $3.59 per unit, compared to China’s $1.78.

“Bangladesh must now focus on producing more value-added apparel to strengthen its competitiveness and boost export revenues,” Rubel added.