Apparel exports from Bangladesh to the United States declined by 8.53% year-on-year in the first two months of 2026, amid falling overall US import demand and the impact of tariffs introduced under the Donald Trump administration.
According to data analysed by the Bangladesh Apparel Exchange using figures from Office of Textiles and Apparel, total US apparel imports dropped by 13.47% to $11.73 billion during the period.
Exports from major sourcing countries also declined sharply, with China falling by nearly 58% and India by 24%. In contrast, exports from Vietnam and Indonesia increased, allowing Vietnam to secure its position as the top apparel exporter to the US.
Industry leaders attribute the decline to higher tariffs and reduced consumer demand. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association noted that increased duties have raised costs for consumers, leading to lower consumption and reduced import volumes.
While tariffs on Bangladesh reached up to 20%, even higher duties on China and India created an opportunity that Bangladesh failed to fully capture. Competitors such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia benefited more from shifting sourcing patterns.
Experts highlight structural challenges, including logistics inefficiencies, as key factors limiting Bangladesh’s ability to capitalise on global market shifts.
