Special Correspondent, Dhaka:
Bangladesh strengthened its position in the European Union’s denim market in August 2026, but a decline in cumulative exports during the first eight months highlights the challenges facing the country’s apparel industry amid weakening demand and intensifying competition.
According to Eurostat data, Bangladesh’s denim exports to the EU rose 12.71 percent year-on-year to €134.08 million in August, up from €118.96 million a year earlier. The growth exceeded the 11.23 percent increase in total EU denim imports from global suppliers, which reached €430.16 million.
Bangladesh accounted for approximately 31.2 percent of EU denim imports during the month, compared with 30.8 percent a year earlier, indicating that the country gained market share despite broader market pressures.
However, the January-August figures present a more challenging picture. Bangladesh’s denim shipments fell 5.85 percent to €869.13 million from €923.11 million during the corresponding period last year. The decline exceeded the overall market contraction of 4.40 percent, reducing Bangladesh’s market share to 29.40 percent from around 29.9 percent.
Nevertheless, Bangladesh remained the EU’s largest denim supplier, maintaining a lead of approximately €344 million over Pakistan, whose shipments declined 7.88 percent to €525.49 million during the eight-month period.
Turkey, the third-largest supplier, recorded a sharper 21.08 percent decline to €438.25 million. Meanwhile, Egypt emerged as a notable competitor, increasing its shipments by 31.46 percent to €188.14 million. China’s exports also grew 17.70 percent to €197.13 million.
Former Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) director Mohiuddin Rubel told BSS that Bangladesh’s established supply chain, skilled workforce and technological capabilities had helped sustain its competitiveness in Europe and the United States.
He said the industry could strengthen its position by moving beyond volume-driven production towards higher-value denim products, greater value addition, and technological innovation. Bangladesh’s fabric manufacturing capacity, despite its reliance on imported cotton, offers opportunities to upgrade products and increase export earnings.
Rubel also cited inflation, weaker imports, and energy-related challenges as factors affecting the European apparel market. He stressed the need to prepare for evolving EU trade requirements, including Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) conditions and European Green Deal-related sustainability expectations.
The latest figures suggest that Bangladesh retains a substantial competitive advantage, but maintaining that position will require stronger value addition, innovation, and environmental compliance as market conditions and trade requirements evolve.
