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Bangladesh has lost its position as the second-largest apparel exporter to the US, falling to third place behind China, according to the latest data from the US Department of Commerce’s Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA).
During January-August 2026, Bangladesh exported apparel worth $5.39 billion to the US, down 4.43% from the same period last year.
China, meanwhile, exported $5.63 billion worth of apparel to the US, despite recording a much sharper 39.39% decline.
Vietnam remained the largest apparel supplier to the US, with exports worth $10.98 billion during the eight-month period.
Bangladesh had overtaken China earlier this year and retained the second position through July, when its exports stood at $4.66 billion.
However, the latest eight-month figures show China moving back ahead.
Overall, US apparel imports fell 7.42% year-on-year to $49.08 billion during January-August, reflecting weaker demand in the market.
Bangladesh’s apparel exports by volume also declined 2.75% during the period to around 1.76 billion pieces. Its average unit price fell by 1.73%.
Industry leaders attributed the decline partly to weaker US demand, as well as domestic gas and power shortages that disrupted production and exports.
Bangladesh’s apparel industry remains heavily dependent on the US market, which accounts for around one-fifth of the country’s total garment export earnings.
