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Bangladesh’s garment exports to the European Union (EU) fell 13.65 per cent year-on-year to €10.37 billion in the first seven months of 2026, marking the steepest decline among the bloc’s major apparel suppliers, according to updated Eurostat data.
Between January and July, EU buyers imported €51.61 billion worth of apparel from major supplier countries, down 5.10 per cent from the same period last year.
While Bangladesh recorded the largest decline, exports from China and Vietnam increased by 1.89 per cent and 3.92 per cent, respectively.
Bangladesh exported €10.37 billion worth of garments to the EU during the period, compared with €12.01 billion a year earlier.
Its export volume also fell 5.66 per cent, while the average export price dropped 8.47 per cent to €13.80 per kg.
Industry leaders attributed the decline to weaker consumer demand in Europe, aggressive marketing by China and growing competition from countries benefiting from trade agreements with the EU.
They also cited domestic challenges, including gas and electricity shortages.
Despite the decline, Bangladesh remains one of the EU’s largest apparel suppliers.
Industry representatives said exports showed some improvement in June and July compared with the first five months, although the outlook for the remainder of the year remains uncertain.