The share of non-cotton garments in Bangladesh's total garment exports has risen to 30.7%. According to Export Promotion Bureau data, from January to September 2026, the country's total garment exports amounted to $29.91 billion, of which cotton garments accounted for $20.75 billion, or 69.3%, and non-cotton garments accounted for $9.17 billion, or 30.7%. Driving this shift is rising demand for non-cotton products from international apparel retailers and brands.

Key Points

  • In the first nine months of 2026, Bangladesh's total garment exports were $29.91 billion, with non-cotton garments accounting for $9.17 billion, or 30.7%.
  • The non-cotton share climbed month by month during the year: averaging 28% in January–February, breaking above 30% for the first time in June at 31.6%, peaking at 34.6% in August, and easing to 32.6% in September.
  • The highest monthly non-cotton export value occurred in July, at $1.31 billion; over the same period, monthly cotton garment exports ranged between $1.97 billion and $2.6 billion.

Looking at the full-year trend, the non-cotton garment share shows a clear upward trajectory. The monthly average share in January and February was only 28%; by June, it crossed the 30% threshold for the first time, reaching 31.6%; in August it climbed further to a year-high of 34.6%; and in September it pulled back slightly to 32.6%. In value terms, non-cotton garments set their highest single-month record of the nine months in July, with exports of $1.31 billion.

However, cotton products remain the backbone of Bangladesh's garment industry. From January to September 2026, monthly cotton garment exports stayed consistently within the $1.97 billion to $2.6 billion range, far exceeding non-cotton products and holding nearly a 70% share. This means that although non-cotton orders continue to grow and the product mix is loosening somewhat, Bangladesh's garment export base is still supported by cotton products for now.

For the used clothing and textile and apparel trade industry, the expansion of non-cotton categories in Bangladesh's garment exports reflects international buyers' growing tendency toward diversified material choices. Non-cotton products typically involve categories such as man-made fibers and blends, and their rising share implies export structure adjustments in the related fabric and garment supply chains—a point of reference for market participants engaged in textile and apparel export trade and the circulation of recycled fiber raw materials.

Source: Bangladesh’s non-cotton garment exports on the rise · Originally published 2026-10-13