Bangladesh has solidified its market leadership in the EU garment imports sector, emerging as a dominant force in readymade garments (RMG) exports to the European Union over the past five years. According to data from Eurostat, the EU’s official statistical agency, Bangladesh achieved an impressive 35.81% growth in its RMG exports from 2021 to 2025, significantly outpacing the overall EU textile market expansion of 24.56% and surpassing key competitors like China and India.
Bangladesh’s Sustained Growth in the EU RMG Market
Bangladesh Garment Maintain Leadership in EU Market with 35.81% Growth (2021–2025)
Bangladesh has solidified its market leadership in the EU garment imports sector, emerging as the dominant force in readymade garments exports to the European Union over the past five years. According to Eurostat, Bangladesh achieved 35.81% growth in RMG exports from 2021 to 2025, outpacing the EU textile market expansion of 24.56% and major competitors.
Bangladesh RMG Exports Growth in the EU Market
In 2021, total EU garment imports stood at €72.25 billion, rising to €90 billion by 2025. Bangladesh increased its exports from €14.30 billion to €19.41 billion, gaining RMG market share even during the 2023 contraction.
Bangladesh’s Performance RMG Exports Market
Bangladesh consistently outperformed rivals over five years:
- China: 21.48% growth
- India: 33.18% growth
- Turkey: 9.48% decline
Between 2024 and 2025, amid only 2.10% EU RMG import growth due to EU economic slowdown, Bangladesh achieved 5.97% export increase versus China’s 1.17% and Turkey’s 10.73% drop.
Price Pressure Challenges in EU Garment Imports
In late 2025, intense price pressure from European retailers caused average export prices to fall, reducing export values in some months despite rising export volumes. This low-margin strategy leverages Bangladesh garment industry’s large production capacity and supply chain stability but carries long-term risks.
Value Addition and Sustainable Production Imperatives
To protect long-term market leadership, Bangladesh must prioritize value addition (design, quality, innovation) and product diversification (activewear, eco-fabrics, technical textiles). Sustainable production is now essential to meet EU regulations and consumer demand for responsible sourcing, especially as LDC graduation approaches.
Bangladesh RMG exports have shown remarkable resilience and competitive edge in the global apparel industry. Sustained focus on value addition, product diversification, and sustainable production will be critical to maintaining dominance in the EU textile market.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 22nd, 2026
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