Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) exports to the United States reached $4.25 billion in the first six months of 2025, marking a strong year-on-year growth of 25.13 percent, according to the latest data from the US Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA). During the same period in 2024, exports were valued at $3.4 billion.
This growth positioned Bangladesh ahead of most of its major global competitors in terms of export growth to the US, which remains the country’s largest export destination.
Exporters cited the revised US reciprocal tariff of 20 percent as a positive development, supporting earnings from the US market. They also pointed to the ongoing shift of orders from China to Bangladesh, driven by the US-China trade tensions, as a major contributing factor.
In June 2025 alone, Bangladesh exported RMG products worth $722.54 million to the US, up 45 percent from $496.64 million in June 2024.
Overall, US apparel imports from all countries grew by 6.76 percent in January to June 2025, reaching $38.15 billion, compared to $35.74 billion during the same period of 2024.
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In terms of volume, Bangladeshi RMG exports to the US rose by 23.81 percent to 1.37 billion square metres, up from 1.12 billion square metres a year earlier.
As of May 2025, Bangladesh held a 10.03 percent share in the US apparel import market, making it the third-largest supplier.
Vietnam remained the top exporter during the first half of 2025, with apparel exports rising 17.97 percent to $7.76 billion, capturing a 19.79 percent market share. China ranked second, exporting $5.73 billion worth of apparel, a 16.14 percent decline from the previous year, with a market share of 18.88 percent.
India followed Bangladesh in the fourth position, exporting RMG products worth $2.84 billion in the first half of 2025, reflecting a 16.26 percent year-on-year growth and holding a 6.23 percent market share.
Indonesia and Cambodia ranked fifth and sixth, with exports worth $2.25 billion and $1.99 billion, holding 5.63 percent and 5.11 percent market shares, respectively.
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The US government revised the reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi goods on July 31, setting it at 20 percent. This came after earlier announcements of 35 percent on July 8 and 37 percent on April 2.
Inamul Haq Khan, senior vice president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said that the growth in exports was largely due to the shift of orders away from China. He noted that the ongoing trade war and tariff policies have impacted China’s position, leading to more opportunities for countries like Bangladesh.
He added that Bangladesh’s ability to meet shifting orders and maintain buyer confidence has contributed to the increase in exports.
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Former BGMEA director Mohiuddin Rubel echoed similar views, saying US buyers have long trusted Bangladeshi products. He noted that the revised tariffs could open further opportunities in the coming years. If the situation continues, Bangladesh could potentially surpass China in market share, he added.
He also emphasized the need for strong policy support and encouraged manufacturers to diversify into higher-value product segments.
According to OTEXA, Bangladesh’s total apparel exports to the US were $7.34 billion in 2024 and $7.29 billion in 2023.