Apparel export to EU grew by 15.04% during July-Jan of FY23: EPB

The European Union's (EU) apparel imports from Bangladesh saw 15.04% growth during July-January of fiscal 2022-23, $13.73 billion from $11.94 billion in July-January FY22, as per the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). 

Germany being the largest European market fetched $4.06 billion with only 0.83% growth compared to the same period of the previous year.

Export to Spain and France also increased by 18.18% and 18.74%, respectively, reads a press release.

Exports to other major EU countries such as Italy, Austria, the Netherlands and Sweden showed growth of 57.50%, 32.93%, 32.41% and 23.28%, respectively.

However, exports to Poland showed 17.79% year-over-year negative growth during the mentioned period.

RMG export to the US during the mentioned period fell by 1.98% compared to the same period in FY22.

Addressing the development, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Director Md Mohiuddin Rubel, said, "Bangladesh's exports to the US reached $4.98 billion during July-Jan of FY23. 

"Our exports to the UK and Canada grew by 14.47% and 19.25%, respectively, compared to the same time of the previous fiscal year," 

"At the same time, exports to the non-traditional markets increased to $4.89 billion from $3.67 billion in the same period. 

"Among the major non-traditional markets, our export to Japan reached $920.26 million with 45.92% YoY growth during July-January of FY23.''

The other non-traditional markets having high growth were -- Malaysia 92.77%, Mexico 42.70%, India 58%, Brazil 64.14%, and South Korea 37.39%, Rubel added.