DHAKA — Apparel imports into the United States declined significantly during the first eight months of 2026, with Bangladesh also recording a drop in both export value and volume amid weakening demand and intensifying competition in the US market.
According to the latest data from the US Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA), the value of US apparel imports fell 7.42% year-on-year to $49.08 billion between January and August. Import volumes declined by 8.98% during the period, while the average unit price of imported apparel increased by 1.71%.
Bangladesh’s apparel shipments to the US also declined. Imports from Bangladesh fell 4.43% in value to $5.39 billion during the first eight months of the year. However, shipments rebounded in August, rising 11.15% from the same month a year earlier.
Most major Asian apparel suppliers faced declines in the US market during the January-August period.
The value of apparel imports from China dropped 29.39%, while imports from India fell 26.44%.
Imports from Pakistan declined 3.83%, and those from Vietnam edged down 0.76%.
In contrast, apparel imports from Indonesia increased 2.58%, while Cambodia recorded a 6.91% rise.
Although Bangladesh also experienced a decline, its 4.43% fall was significantly smaller than those recorded by China and India.
The volume of apparel imported from Bangladesh fell 2.75% during the first eight months of 2026.
China recorded a 21.61% decline in volume, while India fell 24.91%. Imports from Vietnam and Pakistan decreased 0.18% and 0.27%, respectively.
Meanwhile, Indonesia increased its shipment volume by 8.53%, and Cambodia by 7.18%, indicating that some suppliers are expanding their market share despite an overall contraction in US apparel imports.
Bangladesh also saw a decline in the average unit price of apparel exported to the US.
OTEXA data show that the average unit value of Bangladeshi apparel fell 1.73% during January-August. The average prices of apparel from Vietnam, China, India and Pakistan declined by 0.58%, 9.93%, 2.4% and 3.57%, respectively.
Indonesia recorded a 5.49% decline in average unit prices, while Cambodia saw a marginal 0.25% decrease.
The trend contrasts with the overall US apparel market, where the average unit price of imported garments increased by 1.71%.
Mohiuddin Rubel, founder and chief executive officer of Bangladesh Apparel Voice, said competition among supplier countries has become increasingly important alongside demand and pricing in the US apparel market.
He described the more than 11% increase in Bangladeshi apparel imports in August as a positive development. However, he noted that the decline in average unit prices remains a challenge for Bangladeshi exporters.
The United States is one of the world’s largest apparel markets and a major destination for Bangladesh’s garment exports. Trends in US apparel imports therefore remain an important indicator for Bangladesh’s garment industry.
With overall US apparel imports declining and major competitors such as China and India losing significant market share, Bangladesh has an opportunity to strengthen its position. However, maintaining competitiveness, securing orders at viable prices and increasing exports of higher-value garments will be crucial for sustaining growth in the US market.
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