Bangladesh maintained its position as the largest supplier of denim to the European Union (EU) during the January–August period of 2026, capturing nearly 30 percent of the market despite an overall year-to-date contraction, according to the latest Eurostat data compiled by Bangladesh Apparel Voice (BAV).
During the first eight months of the year, the EU imported €2956.21 million worth of denim, reflecting a 4.40 percent decline compared to €3,092.27 million recorded in the same period last year.
However, August delivered a notable turnaround as total EU denim imports rose 11.23 percent year-on-year to €430.16 million—marking the first clear signal of market recovery this year.
Bangladesh led the market by shipping €869.13 million worth of denim products in the January–August period, holding a 29.40 percent market share. This placed Bangladesh comfortably ahead of its primary competitors, Pakistan (€525.49 million) and Turkey (€438.25 million).
Despite holding the top position, Bangladesh’s total denim export value to the EU during the eight-month period contracted by 5.85 percent year-on-year, while its market share slightly eased from 29.85 percent to 29.40 percent.
The rebound in August significantly narrowed Bangladesh's losses. Denim shipments from Bangladesh to the EU jumped 12.71 percent to €134.08 million in August, outperforming the overall market growth rate of 11.23 percent.
Consequently, Bangladesh’s market share for August expanded to 31.17 percent from 30.76 percent a year earlier, contributing roughly 35 percent of the EU's total import increase for the month. The strong August performance helped narrow Bangladesh's year-to-date export decline from 8.59 percent through July down to 5.85 percent through August.
The wider European market witnessed notable shifts among key supplying nations. Turkey recorded the sharpest drop, losing €117 million—a 21.08 percent decline—accounting for the bulk of the EU's total market contraction. Other traditional suppliers also posted losses, including Morocco (-14.48%), Pakistan (-7.88%), Cambodia (-6.47%), and Tunisia (-6.44%).
Conversely, non-traditional and growing suppliers gained ground, led by Egypt (+31.46% or +€45 million), China (+17.70% or +€30 million), and Vietnam (+45.38% or +€17 million). While Bangladesh fared better than most of its traditional competitors, it did not capture the market share relinquished by Turkey.
Commenting on the trend, Mohiuddin Rubel, Founder and CEO of Bangladesh Apparel Voice, noted that while Bangladesh’s leadership remains secure for now and August figures point to a return in demand, maintaining long-term market share will increasingly depend on matching nearer suppliers in terms of speed, agility, and flexibility.