The European Union’s apparel import sector has started the year 2026 on a dull note, recording a double-digit decline in value as major global suppliers, including Bangladesh, face significant negative growth.
According to the latest data from Eurostat, the EU's total apparel imports fell by 15.48 percent in January 2026 compared to the same month last year, with total import values dropping to €7.03 billion. This downturn was driven by an 8.36 percent decline in import volume (million kg) and a 7.76 percent decrease in average unit prices.
Bangladesh, one of the EU's primary garment sources, experienced a particularly challenging month. The country’s apparel exports to the EU fell to €1.43 billion in January 2026, marking a sharp 25.25 percent negative growth in value.
Analysis of the data reveals that this decline was a "double blow" in terms of both volume and price. Bangladesh saw a 17.49 percent decrease in the quantity of goods shipped, coupled with a 9.41 percent drop in the unit price per kilogram. This significant contraction highlights a cooling demand or shifting dynamics within the EU market for Bangladeshi Ready-Made Garment (RMG) products.
Other major manufacturing hubs also mirrored this downward trend, though to varying degrees.
China remained the top exporter with €2.22 billion, but still saw a 6.90 percent decline in value. Interestingly, while their unit prices dropped by 8.01 percent, their export volume actually grew slightly by 1.21 percent.
Turkey faced a severe hit with a 29.12 percent decrease in export value, totaling €619.98 million.
Other countries like India, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Cambodia all remained in negative territory, reflecting a broad-based slowdown in the European fashion retail market.
Mohiuddin Rubel, a former director of BGMEA, noted that the overall decline in unit prices (averaging €18.63/kg for the "World" category) indicates a highly competitive, price-sensitive environment in the EU. For Bangladesh, the decrease in unit price to €13.66/kg—which is significantly lower than the global average—indicates ongoing pressure on profit margins for local manufacturers.
As the year progresses, Bangladeshi exporters will be closely watching if this January slump is a temporary seasonal adjustment or a sign of more persistent economic headwinds in the Eurozone.