US tariffs and global demand slowdown weigh on textile earnings.
Bangladesh’s export momentum has slowed as apparel shipments fell for the third consecutive month, according to data released by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) on November 3. In the first four months (July–October) of the 2025–26 fiscal year, total exports reached $16.14 billion, up 2.22% year-on-year. Apparel exports—the country’s mainstay—rose slightly by 1.4% to $12.99 billion, compared with $12.81 billion during the same period last year.
However, October figures revealed a sharper downturn. Apparel exports dropped 8.39% to $3.02 billion, marking three straight months of decline following similar falls in August and September. July had initially offered optimism, with exports up 24.5%, but that momentum has faded amid rising trade headwinds.
Exporters attribute the slowdown primarily to US President Donald Trump’s retaliatory tariffs, which took effect in August, cutting Bangladesh’s tariff rate from 35% to 20% but dampening demand in key markets. “Prices of all products in the American market have increased, reducing buyers’ purchasing power,” said President of the Bangladesh Chamber.
The resulting shift has seen China and India redirect exports to Europe, intensifying competition and price pressures for Bangladeshi suppliers.
The BKMEA reports many buyers are delaying new orders or passing part of the tariff burden onto suppliers. Industry leaders expect the slump to persist for another two to three months before stabilizing.
Beyond garments, leather exports rose 11% to $410 million, home textiles grew 9.5% to $280 million, and jute products increased 4.7% to $277 million, while agro-processed exports dipped 2.5%.
