However, data released by Bangladesh’s Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) on July * presents a clearer picture. FY****–** apparel exports declined *.** per cent year on year to $**.** billion. Shipments to the European Union fell *.** per cent to $**.** billion, while exports to every other major market including the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada increased.
This divergence suggests the issue is not weakening global demand but changing sourcing priorities linked to future trade preferences.
The EU export trend stands out
The concentration of the decline in Europe is the strongest indicator. According to EPB data, exports to Germany alone fell **.* per cent to $*.** billion, a decline of roughly $*** million. Based on the same dataset, almost the entire national ready-made garment (RMG) export decline of approximately $*** million can be attributed to weaker EU shipments.
