Bangladesh further consolidated its position in the European Union’s apparel market between January and November 2025, with exports rising to US $ 21.01 billion from US $ 19.50 billion in the corresponding period of 2024, according to data released by Eurostat. The growth came despite persistent pricing pressure across the wider EU apparel market.
Overall EU apparel imports increased by 3.93% year on year to US $ 96.40 billion during the period. The expansion was driven primarily by an 11.60% rise in import volumes, while average unit prices declined by 6.88%, underlining the continued squeeze on prices across global supply chains.
Bangladesh’s export performance broadly reflected this trend. The country recorded a 7.65% increase in export value, supported by an 11.26% rise in shipment volumes. However, average unit prices for Bangladeshi apparel fell by 3.25%, indicating that growth was largely volume-led rather than the result of improved pricing.
Short-term data, however, point to emerging headwinds. A comparison between November 2024 and November 2025 shows that Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the EU declined by 10.87% in value, while unit prices dropped by 12.27%. The figures suggest softer demand towards the end of the year and intensifying competition among major supplier countries.
China remained the EU’s largest source of apparel, with exports rising by 6.55% in value to US $ 28.38 billion. This growth was underpinned by a 15.73% increase in volumes, despite a 7.93% fall in unit prices, reflecting China’s sharper focus on the European market amid weaker demand conditions in the United States.
Vietnam also posted strong growth, with apparel exports to the EU increasing by 10.10% to US $ 4.67 billion. Unlike most suppliers, Vietnam achieved a 4.19% rise in unit prices, signalling stronger positioning in higher-value segments. India, Pakistan and Cambodia also recorded solid gains, reinforcing the EU’s role as a key export destination for Asian apparel producers.
By contrast, Turkey experienced a notable contraction, with EU apparel imports from the country falling by 11.31% to US $ 8.90 billion, reflecting subdued demand, rising costs and growing competitive pressures.
Taken together, the 2025 data point to a clear shift in the EU apparel market. While Bangladesh has strengthened its position through higher export volumes, pricing power across the sector remains constrained. The figures suggest that suppliers able to scale efficiently while maintaining dependable market access are best placed to navigate subdued consumer demand and persistent inflationary pressures.
