Bangladesh exported approximately $38.825 billion (about 2.8 trillion taka) in apparel products in calendar year 2025, but an analysis of Export Promotion Bureau and International Trade Centre Trade Map data shows that 76.94% of the country's apparel export basket comes from basic categories, compared with 61.58% for the same categories globally. So-called basic categories cover products such as bottoms, T-shirts, and sweaters.

Key Points

  • Bangladesh's 2025 apparel exports are estimated at $38.825 billion, with basic categories accounting for 76.94%, higher than the global 61.58%.
  • A September 2026 amendment to the Import Policy Order 2026–2029 eased import channels for specialty fabrics for specific categories such as seamless sportswear and functional apparel.
  • The amendment also removed the requirement for export-oriented ready-made garment manufacturers to obtain Ministry of Commerce permission to import yarn and fabrics.

The analysis classifies bottoms, T-shirts, sweaters, and similar items as basic product categories. Meanwhile, a September 2026 amendment to Bangladesh's Import Policy Order 2026–2029 eased access to specialty fabrics and materials for designated apparel categories—including seamless sportswear and functional apparel—subject to the conditions set out in the amendment and, where applicable, recommendations from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) or the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA).

According to reports, the amendment also removed the requirement for export-oriented ready-made garment manufacturers to obtain Ministry of Commerce permission to import yarn and fabrics. This change should be viewed separately from the specialty fabric provisions: the former reduces procedural requirements in specific circumstances, while the latter provides a framework for importing specialty inputs for specific apparel products.

Crucially, the significance of this change lies mainly in easing import procedures and procurement restrictions, rather than reducing import tariffs. Its direct effect is therefore greater procurement flexibility. This matters because specialty and higher-value apparel may require inputs that cannot be obtained domestically at the needed cost, quality, scale, or speed.

Bangladesh's heavy concentration in cotton-based apparel may constrain its competitiveness in categories requiring a broader range of synthetic, blended, and functional textile inputs. Easier access to specialty materials may help manufacturers respond more effectively to changing requirements and develop products in technically demanding segments such as sportswear and functional apparel.

The industry has been making similar arguments for some time. BGMEA has repeatedly emphasized product and market diversification, and has also listed technology adoption, skills development, product development, and innovation as important elements for the industry's next phase of growth.

Industry interest in categories such as sportswear, outerwear, and technical apparel is also rising. BGMEA has mentioned investments and factory-level initiatives involving higher-value and non-cotton products, while industry programs focus on strengthening capabilities in man-made fiber (MMF) apparel and product development.

But easier access to imported inputs is not enough to change Bangladesh's product mix. Moving toward more complex, higher-value products also requires investment in machinery and equipment, technical skills, manufacturing capabilities, and related areas. Many therefore see this policy change as removing one constraint on that transition.

This distinction matters. Easier access to a broader range of fabrics can give manufacturers more room to develop and scale specialty products; but whether this flexibility can be converted into a lasting competitive advantage will depend on whether the industry can build the capabilities needed to compete not only on volume, but increasingly on value.

Source: Bangladesh's apparel industry and the changing fabric equation - Fibre2Fashion · Originally published 2026-10-05