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International 31-03-2023

EU market 2012-22: Apparel import

31 March 2023, Mumbai

The latest data on the European Union's (EU) apparel import statistics and trends, here are a few analyses:

Bangladesh and China remain the top two apparel import sources for the EU: The EU's apparel import from Bangladesh grew significantly in 2022, making it the second-largest apparel import source for the EU after China. China still holds the top spot with a 29.24% share of the EU's total RMG import.
Import growth from top sourcing countries: The EU's imports from Turkey, India, and Vietnam grew significantly in 2022, with Turkey being the third-largest source of apparel imports for the EU. Additionally, imports from other top-sourcing countries such as Cambodia, Pakistan, Morocco, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia also saw positive growth.
Annual growth trends: Over the past ten years (2012-2022), the value of the EU's apparel import from Bangladesh has grown by an average of 9.15% annually, while their import from the world has shown a 3.17% average annual growth. China's import growth has been relatively stagnant during this period.
Negative annual growth for Indonesia: Among the top ten apparel-supplying countries in the EU, Indonesia is the only country that has shown negative annual growth.

Overall, the EU's apparel import trends indicate that Bangladesh and China remain the top two apparel import sources, while there is significant growth potential from other countries such as Turkey, India, and Vietnam.

CREDITS: BGMEA

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International 31-03-2023

Bangladesh Eases Fumigation Requirements, Boosts U.S. Cotton Imports

23 March 2023, Mumbai

The Ministry of Commerce of the Bangladesh Government has announced easing the rules for mandatory fumigation tests for importing cotton from Western Hemisphere nations or regions, particularly from the United States. Resulting clearly in the time reduction, hassles, and in turn cost of doing business for importers in Bangladesh, and in effect the competitiveness of the country's cotton industry at a time when there is a growing ambition of the country to hit USD 100 Billion exports in the coming years.

An interesting data point is that Bangladesh is the third-largest apparel import source for the USA and, that the value of USA apparel imports from Bangladesh has been gradually rising over the past 10 years. The recent growth in USA's RMG imports from Bangladesh after the pandemic is particularly commendable.

It is laudable that BGMEA is actively interacting/engaging with the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) on varied issues to make trade between Bangladesh and the USA easier.

The MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) signed between BGMEA and AAFA to improve competitiveness and facilitate trade access to the US market is a big plus. As today Bangladesh is in a good place, the proposal to replace conventional labeling with digital labeling is also a timely idea as it will lessen manufacturing costs and ensure greater transparency and traceability of products.

Overall, it seems that The semblance is that Bangladesh is ticking boxes right at this moment building its competitiveness in the global textile industry and consolidating its leadership status and in particular trade relations with the USA.

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International 22-03-2023

Bangladesh: Apparel export key items

11 March 2023, Mumbai

Historical background

In 2022, Bangladesh has set a new milestone of USD 45.70 billion RMG export. As per BGMEA analysis, Bangladesh’s RMG export has increased by 27.64% in 2022 compared to 2021.

Based on the provided data, it appears that Bangladesh's apparel industry has performed well in recent years, particularly in the 6-digit HS-code level of the top 31-60 apparel products.

Breakdown of apparel exports pie

The export earnings from these 30 items increased significantly in 2022, reaching USD 4.28 billion, which represents a 59.25% increase from 2021.

The stack of exports is," Highest exportable apparel item for Bangladesh in 2022 was men's or boys MMF woven overcoats, followed by men or boys non-cotton woven shirts and women or girls cotton knitted blouses.

Whilst, the export of men's or boys' non-cotton woven shirts grew by 88.57% in 2022 Vs. corresponding to last year, whereas the export earnings from women's or girls' cotton knitted blouses rose by a robust 50.63% in the same period.

An interesting data point however is that Bangladesh exported USD 216.49 million worth of cotton-knitted babies' garments in 2022, which is something unusual in the country's apparel/clothing industry".

Macroeconomic variables

Bangladesh's apparel industry sustainably is maintaining its leadership to be a leading player in the global market, and its exports are growing steadily in certain apparel product categories.

But the country has its own set of challenges & threats such as labor rights issues and environmental concerns, which must be addressed to ensure sustainable growth in the industry.

CREDITS: Source BGMEA press note

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International 11-03-2023

BGMEA: March greetings

03 March 2023, Mumbai

That sounds like a wonderful way to commemorate this historic month.

Libraries are an excellent way to promote education and learning, and naming them after a respected figure like Prof. Dr. Mazharul Islam is a fitting tribute.

In 2022, Bangladesh has set a new milestone of USD 45.70 billion RMG export. As per BGMEA analysis, Bangladesh’s RMG export has increased by 27.64% in 2022 compared to 2021.

It's important to remember and honor the contributions of those who have paved the way for its nation's progress and development.

March certainly holds a special place in the hearts of Bangladeshis, as it represents the resilience, courage, and determination of our people in the face of adversity.

It's a time to reflect on its past struggles, celebrate its present achievements, and look forward to a brighter future.

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International 03-03-2023

Bangladesh Garments Executives Association (BGEA)

16 March 2023, Mumbai

Bangladesh Garments Executives Association (BGEA)

A platform meant and designed to serve the interests of the executives working in Knit, Woven, and Sweater factories, etc in the larger interest of the growing apparel sector and the significance it assumes in Bangladesh's national economy.
DFU Publications had a quick interaction with Mrs. Jannatul Ferdous Nipa, Director on the sidelines of the 3rd GLOBAL TEXTILE CONCLAVE (GTC) currently underway at Jaipur, Rajasthan (India) find here the excerpts of the same:

As the Vice President of the Indian Importer Chamber of Commerce and Industry, it is my pleasure to be here today to discuss the potential for collaboration between India and Bangladesh in the textile industry.

Bangladesh is the second largest market for garments and has many green factories that maintain sustainability. India, on the other hand, is a closer and more competitive market for raw materials such as cotton, yarn, fabric, and accessories.

Our main focus is on sustainability through collaboration, which is why we want to build a strong relationship between the two countries. Last year, we organized an event in Bangladesh and learned that they are targeting $40 billion in exports of garments, which require a lot of raw materials.

We see this as a huge opportunity for collaboration between the two countries.

Furthermore, I would like to emphasize that the Indian Importer Chamber of Commerce and Industry is open to collaborating with Bangladesh and India to expand marketing opportunities in the Asian market. We can work together to make this happen and provide a strong market presence for both countries.

While China may be more aggressive towards Bangladesh, India is a closer and more competitive market for raw materials. Our lead time is shorter, which means we can access these materials faster than from other countries. Additionally, India is a competitive market for prices, making it a viable option for our materials.

In conclusion, I believe that collaboration between India and Bangladesh in the textile industry can be very fruitful.

Our chamber is open to collaboration, and we welcome anyone interested in expanding their marketing opportunities to join us. Together, we can create a strong market presence in the Asian market and beyond.

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International 16-03-2023

4th Edition of Sustainable Apparel Forum

06 March 2023, Mumbai

The 4th Edition of Sustainable Apparel Forum

Dates: To be held on March 16th, 2023

Venue: The Radisson Blu Water Garden in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

GOVERNMENT, INDUSTRY, AND CHANGE-MAKERS TO SHARE A PLATFORM FOR PROMOTING SUSTAINABILITY IN BD APPAREL INDUSTRY.

The latest edition is expected to attract more than 60 renowned speakers and 20 exhibitors who will present the latest green production technologies in the apparel industry.

Among the distinguished speakers are Tipu Munshi MP, Honourable Minister, Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh, Md. Tazul Islam MP, Honourable Minister, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives and, Former President BGMEA, Faruque Hassan, President, BGMEA and Managing Director, Giant Group, Ambassadors & many more.

The forum comprises a range of features such as plenary sessions, seminars, green growth exhibitions, and informal networking opportunities. The event is an effort to establish Bangladesh as the world’s most responsible apparel-sourcing destination in the times when global supply chains are re-aligning and responding to geo-political developments of the day!

This event will serve as a platform for participants to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and discuss best practices in sustainable apparel manufacturing.

The forum is a big opportunity for stakeholders to exhibit/showcase their innovative heft in product mfg, services, and technologies that promote sustainability and environmental responsibility.

The Sustainable Apparel Forum (SAF) was organized to Accelerate Apparel Sustainability in the Post-Covid era.

It will also provide a platform for participants to interact with policymakers, industry leaders, and experts, and explore collaborations that can contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

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International 07-03-2023

EU: Jan-Nov 2022 apparel imports

27 February 2023, Mumbai

EU apparel imports trade data
EU's apparel imports pie quick breakdown from a bunch of countries such as Bangladesh, China, Turkey, India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Pakistan, Morocco, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.

Heartening to notice that notwithstanding the cloudy global economic outlook and fears of recessionary concerns around the EU, the EU's imports of apparel have only risen from a range of countries during the period of January-November 2022.

Only corroborating what today's ET report mentions quoting the IMF chief rather optimistically," In the larger context world has started to see economy showing palpable signs of global growth having bottomed out against the backdrop of inflation having come off the boil which bodes well".
Amongst the key findings is Bangladesh's apparel exports to the EU have clocked considerable growth traction of 38.39% Vs the corresponding period in 2021, as Bangladesh continues to consolidate its global position as a sourcing destination for the EU.

Little wonder, China remains the largest apparel supplier to the EU, well followed by Bangladesh and Turkey. Notably, the EU's imports from India have also risen overwhelmingly, mirroring how India is firming up its potential as a preferred sourcing destination for apparel.

Again, what is noticeable is EU's imports from many other countries have also shown positive growth during the aforementioned period countries as Cambodia, Vietnam, Pakistan, Morocco, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, etc.

Sum and substance
Not going away the fact that prevailing concerns about inflation and geopolitical tensions stay and cannot be resolved in a hurry affecting global consumption and discretionary spending and impacting the clothing market, and leaves sectors to fend for themselves in how respective sectors take it in their stride & respond to these challenges moving ahead.

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International 27-02-2023

Toys ‘R’ Us forced to close new store due to legal issues

15 March 2023, Mumbai

Toys ‘R’ Us, the American toy and clothing retailer, faced legal complexities with the mall owner and was forced to close a store it had opened in Hyderabad within 24 hours, according to sources.

The store, located in the Sarath City Capital Mall, opened on March 11 but was closed the next day. The mall is said to have pulled the plug on Toys ‘R’ Us due to a no-compete clause with another global toy retailer, which already had a shop in the mall. The clause prevented the two competing toy retailers from operating in the same mall.

Toys ‘R’ Us has launched in India in two formats, as Toys ‘R’ Us, the world’s leading toy store, and Babies ‘R’ Us, a one-stop destination for baby essentials. It is run by Ace Turtle, a Bangalore-based firm that entered into a joint venture with the Flipkart Group’s wholesale entity in India to acquire the licence for Toys ‘R’ Us and Babies ‘R’ Us in June 2021.

This is not the first time that Toys ‘R’ Us has attempted to enter the Indian market. In 2017, it teamed up with Tablez India, a division of Abu Dhabi-based Lulu Group International, for an exclusive master franchise agreement.

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International 15-03-2023

Toys ‘R’ Us forced to close new store due to legal issues

BGMEA: July-Feb, FY2022-23 RMG export showing

06 March 2023, Mumbai

It's worth noting that despite the global geopolitical tensions and predicted economic slowdown, the RMG industry in Bangladesh is showing some promising signs of growth.

This is due in part to significant investments in backward linkage and the production of high-end sophisticated fashion items like jackets, activewear, and suits.

As per the statistics compiled by BGMEA from the EPB’s export data for the period of July-February of the fiscal year 2022-23(for the period mentioned July 2022 to February 2023) :

Overall RMG export grew by 14.06% during the mentioned period of time on a year-over-year comparison.
Bangladesh’s RMG export to the world was US$ 31.36 billion which is 84.58% of total national export.
Export earnings from knitwear fetched US$17.06 billion, with 13.21% year-over-year growth.
Export earnings from woven garments fetched US$14.30 billion, with 15.08% year-over-year growth.
During the month of February 2023, RMG export stood at US$ 3.94 billion with 12.31% year-on-year growth, which was the lowest export within the last consecutive four months (from November to February).

Additionally, the industry's export to non-traditional markets is also increasing significantly. However, it's expected that future growth may be value-based rather than quantity-based due to the industry's progression to higher unit-value items.

Though the sources mentioned categorically, yet to compile the country-wise export data for this sector Putting the sector in quick perspective in Bangladesh's overall economy, the share of RMG in total export of Bangladesh has gone up to 83.57% in 2022 which was 80.98% in 2021.

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International 06-03-2023

Pakistan January textile exports fall

20 February 2023, Mumbai

Pakistan’s textile exports declined by 12 per cent in January 2023.

The country’s textile exports fell by eight per cent during the first seven months of the current financial year. Exports started declining in October 2022 after registering single digit growth during the first three months of the current financial year. Textile exports grew by one per cent, eight per cent and nine per cent respectively in July 2022, August 2022 and September 2022. However, exports declined by 15 per cent, 18 per cent, 15 per cent and 12 per cent in October 2022, November 2022, December 2022 and January 2023 respectively. A raw material shortage, rupee depreciation against the dollar and an energy crisis have severely affected exports of textile goods from Pakistan to other countries during the past few months. Pakistan’s cotton production has dropped by 50 per cent. Another serious problem is energy supply. Textile exports could decline further in the coming months in the absence of reliable and affordable energy supply. As it is the country’s textile industry is operating at less than 50 per cent of capacity and many people associated with the sector have already lost their jobs. The textile export industry is under pressure due to the high cost of doing business and it is also at a comparative disadvantage with respect to the cost of production in the sector.

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International 20-02-2023

Bangladesh Apparel exports: Jan-Feb 2023 Country-wise

13 March 2023, Mumbai

According to the data published by The published data of Bangladesh RMG exports by the Export Promotion Bureau, showed a growth of 10.12% in the first two months of 2023 Vs the corresponding period in 2022.

Not surprisingly many of the European Union accounted for the largest export destination for Bangladesh. The export to the EU was US$ 4.22 billion, showing a year-on-year growth of 8.42%.

Albeit, in the EU region few nations, such as Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, Latvia, Malta, Poland, and Slovenia, showed negative growth traction.

Export to the U.S.A. and Canada downtrend by 13.79% and 3.49%, respectively, during the aforementioned period. Although, the export to the UK showed 21.63% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth traction, reaching US$ 964 million.

The country's export to non-traditional markets rose by 42.51% to US$ 1.64 billion, and Japan was the top-notch export destination with US$ 321.12 million. Other non-traditional markets, like Australia, India, South Korea, Turkey, and UAE, also showed an impressive upward trend, while exports to these countries were soft to Russia, China, South Africa, and Chile as exports shrank here.

Considering the global macro economy is unstable amid global turmoil, deeply impacting retail sales and resulting in downward/negative growth in some key consumption markets. This trend is likely to sustain for some time, making the coming months challenging.

Today it is business imperative for Bangladesh to explore new opportunities/non-traditional markets and concentrate on resource/cost optimization building efficiencies to tide over unprecedented times.

It's worth noting that despite the global geopolitical tensions and predicted economic slowdown, the RMG industry in Bangladesh is showing some promising signs of growth.

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International 13-03-2023

Hohenstein: Acquires Hong Kong's QAT Services' lab

03 March 2023, Mumbai

Hohenstein, an internationally recognized testing service provider, has acquired the DAkkS-accredited QAT Services Limited laboratory in Hong Kong.

This acquisition will facilitate Hohenstein to integrate the hard goods knowledge of QATS employees into their portfolio and provide full-service capabilities for Greater China and beyond.

The expansion into hard goods testing is a pretty strategic move for Hohenstein, which has been an acclaimed established service provider in the textile industry for decades. This step will enable Hohenstein to offer testing services for food contact materials, furniture, toys, and other products, ensuring the safety of products and creating secure jobs.

According to Prof. Mecheels, the owner and CEO of Hohenstein, this expansion is a strategically vital step for the company.

Christopher Au, the Managing Director of Hohenstein China, is also quite assured that this step will set an important focus and consolidate the company's position for international customers across geographies.

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International 03-03-2023

USA's: Garments import

16 February 2023, Mumbai

We are sharing herewith the US-based agency Office of Textile and Apparels (OTEXA)'s US apparel import data released recently. The report mentions that the USA imported an accumulated apparel/garments worth 9.74 billion dollars of clothing from Bangladesh apparel exporters in the year 2022 as a proof of concept.
What is particularly noticable to observe is that Bangladesh's apparel industry has clocked the maximum growth rate amongst the competing nations for the top slot and thus notched up the honor of being a top-most exporter of denimwear to the US market.
As per BGMEA spokesperson," As a word of caution, it is vital to note that the sense of complacency to your peril, given the impending slowdown in the US retail market, been witnessed through recent months has already led to shrinking global imports, and no surprise Bangladesh's merchant exports to the US market have also shown some decline in the remainder last two months of November and December 2022.
It will be essential to keep a close tab on the emerging market trends and chart out appropriate strategies enabling sustained growth in the US market in the coming months & seasons".

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International 16-02-2023