The European Union's apparel imports saw a 3.63% decline from January to August 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, reflecting a broader global trend of reduced apparel consumption. According to the latest data, total imports dropped from US$ 61.56 billion to US$ 59.32 billion. Bangladesh, one of the leading apparel suppliers to the EU, experienced a 3.53% decrease in exports, with the value of shipments falling to US$ 12.91 billion during this period, according to former BGMEA Director Mohiuddin Rubel. Chinese Textile & Apparel Industry delegation visits BEPZA This decline mirrors the overall drop in EU apparel demand but raises questions about shifting dynamics in global supply chains. China, the largest exporter to the EU, saw its apparel imports decrease by 4.10% to US$ 15.62 billion. Other key suppliers like Turkey and India also faced declines, with Turkey’s exports down by 7.52% to US$ 6.84 billion and India’s down by 2.73% to US$ 3.34 billion. Vietnam reported a 2.09% decrease, with exports totaling US$ 2.65 billion. USITC delegation meets BGMEA leaders, discuss Bangladesh's standing and competitiveness in global apparel market In contrast, some countries bucked the downward trend. Cambodia's exports to the EU surged by 12.78%, Pakistan saw a 7.3% increase, and Morocco experienced a 6.09% rise, signaling a potential shift in sourcing preferences within the global apparel market. These variations among key suppliers suggest nuanced changes in global apparel supply chains.

PUMA, one of the leading sports brands in the world, is willing to increase apparel sourcing from Bangladesh, especially value-added sustainable products.  Anne-Laure Descours, Chief Sourcing Officer of PUMA, expressed the interest during a meeting with Faruque Hassan, President of BGMEA on Thursday. BGMEA Director Asif Ashraf and Branch Manager at Puma Bangladesh Moyeen Hyder Chowdhury were also present at the meeting. Read BGMEA seeks govt support in implementing RMG industry's sustainable dev vision During their discussions, Faruque Hassan highlighted the potential of Bangladesh as a sourcing country for value-added sportswear, activewear, outerwear, swimwear, and workwear.  He apprised the CSO of PUMA about the RMG industry’s increased focus on diversification of products, especially non-cotton and high-end segment. He said Bangladesh’s apparel sector is giving priority to taking a turn from quantity to quality and volume to value.  Read BGMEA seeks faster delivery of raw materials through green channel The BGMEA President requested PUMA to support and collaborate with their suppliers in Bangladesh to build their capacities in manufacturing value-added apparel products having higher market demand. He assured PUMA of all-out support from BGMEA to expand its suppliers’ base and sourcing volume in Bangladesh. Currently Bangladesh is the largest apparel sourcing hub for PUMA in terms of volume of garments.  Read BGMEA to participate in Apparel Sourcing Week 2022 in Bengaluru