Bangladesh Exports to the U.S. Surge by ~21-25% in 2025

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Bangladesh’s ready-made garment industry is showing strong momentum in 2025, with apparel exports to the United States rising sharply. According to trade data, exports rose 21.66% year-on-year in the first seven months of 2025 (Jan-Jul), reaching about US$4.98 billion.

Over the first half of the year (H1), the growth was even more pronounced: exports jumped 25.13%, totaling approximately US$4.25 billion, compared to US$3.39 billion in the same period in 2024.

What’s Driving the Growth

• Shifting buyer sourcing: As costs rise and trade tensions mount with other suppliers—especially China—many U.S. apparel buyers are redirecting orders to Bangladesh, benefitting from its competitive cost base and improving compliance standards.

• Strong volume growth: In H1 2025, garment shipment volume increased by about 23.8%, reflecting not just price increases, but higher quantities shipped.

• Modest price increases: Unit prices rose only marginally (~1.1%) over the same period, implying that most of the export growth is driven by scale rather than inflation.

Implications & Challenges

This growth cements Bangladesh’s position as one of the fastest-growing apparel suppliers to the U.S. market. But the gains aren’t without risks:

• Recent U.S. tariff adjustments (including a revised 20% duty) are in play, and policy changes could affect competitiveness.

• Rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and global competition (from Vietnam, India, etc.) require continued investment into efficiency, sustainability, and compliance.

• Maintaining high quality and delivery timelines will be crucial as buyer expectations tighten.

Looking Ahead

For export houses like NRS Apparel and partner factories, this is a moment to double down on:

• Scaling operations while maintaining compliance and sustainability (green factories, ethical labour practices).

• Improving adaptability to tariff shifts, currency fluctuation, and buyer requirement changes.

• Building stronger strategic relationships with U.S. buyers by offering value beyond price—e.g. faster turnaround, product innovation, sustainable materials.