Dhaka:Bangladesh's denim exports to the European Union increased by 12.71% in August 2026, reaching 134.08 million euros compared to 118.96 million euros in the same month of the previous year, as per Eurostat data.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this growth surpassed the overall market trend, with total EU denim imports rising by 11.23% to 430.16 million euros. Bangladesh's share of EU imports for August stood at approximately 31.2%, an increase from around 30.8% a year earlier.
However, despite this monthly growth, Bangladesh's exports over the January-August period declined by 5.85% to 869.13 million euros, down from 923.11 million euros the previous year, reflecting a decrease of about 54 million euros. This decline was more pronounced than the overall market's 4.40% reduction to 2,956.21 million euros.
As a result, Bangladesh's market share for the first eight months of the year slipped to 29.40% from about 29.9% a year prior. Nonetheless, Bangladesh remained the EU's largest denim supplier, significantly ahead of Pakistan by approximately 344 million euros. Pakistan's exports increased by 14.99% in August to 87.71 million euros, but its January-August exports decreased by 7.88% to 525.49 million euros, accounting for a 17.78% market share.
Turkey, ranking third, faced the most significant downturn, with a 13.26% drop in August exports to 58.84 million euros and a 21.08% decline over eight months to 438.25 million euros, representing a 14.82% market share.
Other countries such as Tunisia and Cambodia also experienced declines in their eight-month export figures, with reductions of 6.44% and 6.47%, respectively. Meanwhile, Morocco’s exports decreased by 14.48%.
Conversely, Egypt stood out with a notable increase of 59.57% in August exports to 30.67 million euros and a 31.46% rise over eight months to 188.14 million euros, holding a 6.36% market share. China also saw an improvement in its exports, rising 17.70% over eight months to 197.13 million euros, capturing a 6.67% share.
Vietnam and India, although smaller players, demonstrated robust growth in their eight-month exports, with Vietnam's increasing by 45.38% to 53.98 million euros and India's by 18.62% to 31.40 million euros.
Former Director of BGMEA Mohiuddin Rubel stated that Bangladesh has maintained a strong presence in the EU denim market despite overall declines in apparel imports, attributed to a well-established supply chain, skilled workforce, and technological advancements. Rubel emphasized the potential for Bangladesh to enhance its position further by transitioning to higher-value products and adopting innovative technologies, despite not producing cotton domestically. He also highlighted the importance of preparing for evolving EU trade rules and sustainability requirements to ensure long-term growth in the global denim industry.