Bangladesh retained its position as the European Union’s (EU) largest denim garment supplier in January–August 2026, despite a 5.85% year-on-year decline in exports to €870 million, according to Eurostat data. The country held a 29.40% market share, while overall EU denim imports fell 4.40% to €2.95 billion.
Pakistan ranked second with exports of €530 million, down 7.88%, followed by Türkiye at €440 million, down 21%, and Tunisia at €220 million, down 6.44%.
Meanwhile, competing suppliers recorded strong growth. China’s exports rose 17.70% to €200 million, while Egypt’s increased 31.46% to the same value. Vietnam recorded 45% growth, and India’s denim garment exports rose 18.62% to $30 million during the period.
Bangladesh’s exports showed signs of recovery in August, increasing 12.71% to €134.1 million. However, industry representatives cited high energy and production costs, limited product diversification and growing competition as key challenges. They also highlighted the need for trade agreements to maintain preferential access to the EU market as Bangladesh prepares to graduate from least developed country status.