United States apparel market experiences significant growth for Bangladesh, marking decline for China's dominance
In the dynamic world of international trade, the apparel sector has seen some significant changes in recent months. Among the notable developments is Bangladesh's growing presence in the US market, as it outpaces many other countries in terms of export growth.
According to data, Vietnam's apparel exports to the US rose by 16.94%, while Korea's saw a steep 7.59% decline. However, it's Bangladesh that has truly captured attention, with its apparel exports to the US totaling $4.98 billion in the first seven months of 2025, a substantial increase from previous periods.
Mohiuddin Rubel, a former director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and managing director of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, attributed this success to global buyers diversifying their sourcing beyond China. Bangladesh, he stated, is one of the biggest beneficiaries of this shift due to its competitive costs, strong compliance, and sustainability credentials.
Bangladesh's growth in the US market is even more impressive when compared to China's declining exports. China's apparel exports to the US saw a decrease of 21.01% in value and nearly 16% in quantity, with an average unit price drop of 6.05%. In contrast, Bangladesh gained significant ground, with both volume and value increases, even as China's exports declined.
Other countries also saw growth in their apparel exports to the US. Indonesia's rose by 16.80%, Cambodia's by 24.45%, and India's by 16.10%. Yet, it's Bangladesh that has made the most significant strides, consolidating its position as a reliable sourcing destination for global buyers.
The quantity of Bangladeshi garments imported by the US rose 20.33% year-on-year, and the unit price of these imports increased by 1.11%. This growth is a testament to Bangladesh's competitiveness in the global apparel market.
Interestingly, Vietnam and Mexico have emerged as significant winners in textile and apparel exports to the US, compared to China. This shift is largely due to lower U.S. tariffs (Mexicoβs tariff rate was as low as 1.6% in July 2025 versus Chinaβs average of 26.4%) and U.S. trade policies that impose higher reciprocal tariffs on Chinese imports, making Vietnam and Mexico more competitive sources for U.S. apparel imports.
However, not all countries have seen growth in their apparel exports to the US. Korea, Honduras, and Pakistan saw declines, while Mexico's rose only 2.40%.
In summary, the apparel export landscape is undergoing significant changes, with Bangladesh making a notable impact in the US market. As global buyers continue to diversify their sourcing, countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Mexico are poised to benefit from their competitive advantages and strategic positions.
