In January-June 2025, the US witnessed a modest increase in apparel imports, reaching $38.16 billion globally, reflecting a 6.74% rise from the previous year. Noteworthy changes in the number of units include a 4.26% growth in SME and a 2.37% increase in unit price. Particularly, imports from Bangladesh surged to $4.25 billion, displaying a substantial growth rate of 25.12% compared to the same period in 2024. In the year 2025 May, Bangladesh’s export to the US was US $547.42 million and on June 25 it is US $723.08 million, meaning growth is 32.09% from May to June 2025.

Key insights on apparel imports during this period reveal interesting trends:

• China experienced a significant negative growth of -16.07%.
• India’s imports rose by 16.26%.
• Pakistan’s imports increased by 11.21%.
• Indonesia saw a rise of 17.95% in imports.
• Cambodia witnessed a notable increase of 24.28%.
• Vietnam showcased a growth of 17.96%.

Comparing the number of pieces imported:

• Bangladesh witnessed a substantial surge of 23.81%.
• Vietnam experienced a 13.82% increase.
• China had a significant decrease of -12.78%.
• India noted a noteworthy 15.92% growth.
• Cambodia saw a substantial 31.11% increase.
• Pakistan displayed a 15.76% increase.

The unit price per piece varied across countries:

• Bangladesh observed a 1.06% increase.
• Vietnam noted a 3.64% increase.
• China experienced a -3.77% decrease.
• India saw a 0.29% increase.
• Cambodia had a -5.21% decrease.

By: Mohiuddin Rubel, Former Director, Brand BGMEA
Managing Director, Bangladesh Apparel Exchange
Additional Managing Director, Denim Expert Ltd.