Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the United States dropped sharply by 17.21% in April 2026 compared with the same month a year earlier, according to data from the US Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA). The decline follows earlier signs of recovery in the sector, which contributes over 80% of Bangladesh’s total export earnings. Between January and April 2026, total apparel exports to the US reached USD 2.98 billion, down 11.24% year-on-year, with both unit prices and export volumes decreasing.

Industry representatives attributed the fall mainly to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which raised costs and reduced consumer demand. Analysts noted that overall US apparel imports fell 12% due to high inflation and interest rates, while Vietnam and Cambodia increased their exports to the US by 1.31% and 14.07%, respectively. In contrast, China’s and India’s exports to the US dropped by 50.21% and 28.03%.

Export Promotion Bureau data showed Bangladesh’s total exports in May 2026 fell 7.07% year-on-year to USD 4.4 billion, with apparel exports down 8.29%. Industry leaders warned that it remains uncertain when export growth will resume under current global conditions.