The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) is set to hold an emergency board meeting today to assess the continued decline in garment exports and discuss measures to address growing challenges facing the country’s largest export sector.
The meeting, scheduled at BGMEA’s headquarters in Uttara, Dhaka, will focus primarily on the prolonged downturn in apparel exports, alongside concerns over recent factory closures and the underlying factors contributing to the industry’s difficulties.
BGMEA Director Faisal Samad said the association will also engage with the government to identify policy support and solutions aimed at stabilising the sector and restoring export growth.
According to industry leaders, Bangladesh’s garment exports have remained under pressure for nearly a year, driven by a combination of global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, tariff-related concerns, longer lead times and challenges associated with the country’s upcoming graduation from least developed country (LDC) status.
Data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) shows that Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) exports reached $35.31 billion during the July–May period of fiscal year 2025-26, marking a 3.41 percent decline from $36.56 billion recorded during the same period of the previous fiscal year.
BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan said the board is also expected to discuss the impact of ongoing US tariff uncertainties, which have added further pressure to business planning and export competitiveness.
The meeting may additionally consider the creation of an emergency support fund for BGMEA members to help manufacturers navigate future crises and unexpected market disruptions.
Industry stakeholders remain cautious about the outlook for the coming export season. A senior representative of a major European apparel retailer operating in Bangladesh noted that persistent volatility in global markets could continue to weigh on demand and sourcing decisions.
Long lead times remain one of the most significant challenges for Bangladeshi exporters, the retailer said, noting that shipments to Europe often require 30 to 40 days or longer, reducing flexibility and increasing operational costs in an increasingly fast-paced sourcing environment.
Industry experts also emphasised the importance of securing long-term trade preferences through mechanisms such as GSP+ status or a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union, particularly as Bangladesh prepares to lose duty-free access under existing LDC-related trade arrangements.
As the country’s apparel sector navigates a rapidly changing global trade landscape, the outcomes of the BGMEA meeting are expected to play an important role in shaping industry responses to export challenges in the months ahead.
