The export of apparel items to the European Union (EU) — the largest destination of the country's RMG shipment — experienced an encouraging growth of 43.21% to $17.55 billion in the first nine months (January-September) of this year, according to the latest import statistics.
The import statistics were revealed by the European Statistical Office (Eurostat) and compiled by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
Manufacturers exported apparel items worth $12.25 billion to the EU countries in the same period last year, the Eurostat data stated.
Moreover, the EU's global apparel imports grew to $77.77 billion in the first nine months of 2022, attaining a growth of 25.87% from $61.79 billion in the same period last year, data showed.
According to the Eurostat data, China, the top apparel exporter to the EU, registered a growth of 25.19% year-on-year (YoY) to $22.59 billion in the mentioned period, higher than $18.04 billion in the same period last year.
Followed by Bangladesh, Turkey is the third largest apparel exporter to the EU and also posted a YoY growth of 14.86%.
During the January to September period of 2022, the EU imported apparel items worth $9.18 billion from Turkey, higher than $7.99 billion in the first nine months of last year.
Being fourth, India registered a growth of 25.85% to $3.94 billion from $3.13 billion in the same period of 2021, Eurostat data said.
Vietnam secured the fifth position by exporting apparel items worth $3.27 billion in the first nine months of 2022, fetching a YoY growth of 29.65% from $2.52 in the same period last year.
Among other notable global apparel manufacturers, Pakistan fetched a YoY growth of 30.76% to $2.92 billion, Cambodia 41.08% to $2.80 billion and Morocco 12.32% to $2.42 billion during the January to September period of the current year, Eurostat data showed.
However, among the top ten apparel suppliers to the EU, Bangladesh attained the highest growth rate. The growth rate of other competitor countries was also encouraging.
Talking to Dhaka Tribune, BGMEA Director Mohiuddin Rubel said that it is certainly good news for Bangladesh in terms of exports to Europe.
“Considering the war and the ongoing global economic situation, we are in a better position than most of our competitors. Bangladesh is always at the top of buyers' choice as the safest sourcing destination,” he added.
Moreover, Bangladesh is now at the top as a sustainable producer with a better working atmosphere and an improved eco-friendly industry, he added.
“If all this is maintained, when the world economic situation will be normal then the situation of Bangladesh will be better than all,” he added.
Moreover, some other issues such as Sino-US relations, China's zero Covid policy and brands' moving away from Myanmar also strengthened the advantageous position of Bangladesh.
