Local apparel exporters are fearing expensive airfreight and discounts from international clothing retailers and brands because of delays in production and timely shipment of goods due to the current energy crisis.

The nation exported garments worth $38.48 billion last year

Local garment exporters do not expect any substantial increase in shipments to the Western world centring upcoming Christmas sales because of high inflation and for old stocks remaining unsold in retail stores in the American and European markets, exporters said. 

Bangladesh is close to surpassing China as the world’s largest cotton apparel exporter and stronger demand prospects are expected to drive cotton consumption higher, said the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Bangladesh’s apparel exporters displayed the sharpest growth in the US in 2022, leaving behind their competitors in the countries such as China and Vietnam, owing mainly to the lingering tariff war between Washington and Beijing and capacity building.