Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the European Union fell 16.43% year-on-year to €8.64 billion in the first half of 2026, reflecting weaker demand across the bloc’s apparel market.
According to Eurostat data compiled by Bangladesh Apparel Voice founder and CEO Mohiuddin Rubel, Bangladesh’s export volume to the EU declined 8.22%, while average export prices fell 8.94% during January–June.
The overall EU apparel market also contracted, with imports from global suppliers declining 9.7% to €41.10 billion. Import volumes fell 6.4%, while average prices decreased 3.53%.
Bangladesh recorded a modest recovery in June, with apparel exports to the EU rising 0.87% year-on-year to €1.37 billion. Shipment volume increased 6.53%, although average prices declined 5.31%.
Most major apparel suppliers also experienced declines in the EU market during the first half of the year. Turkey’s exports fell 14.60%, followed by Pakistan at 12.53%, India at 12.49%, Sri Lanka at 11.21%, China at 8.88% and Cambodia at 8.84%.
Vietnam was the only major supplier listed to record export growth, with shipments increasing 0.36%. Although its export volume dropped 11.52%, a 13.43% rise in average prices helped offset the volume decline.
The figures indicate continued pressure on Bangladesh’s apparel exports in the EU amid declining market demand, lower shipment volumes and falling average prices.
