Bangladesh still leads denim exports to EU

The EU imported denim worth 2,956.21 million Euro in January–August 2026, down 4.40% from €3,092.27m a year earlier.

As per sources, the August was different in importing denim to the European markets. Imports in the month rose 11.23% to €430.16m, the first clear sign of a pickup in this period.

Bangladesh remains the largest supplier. It shipped €869.13m in the first eight months, 29.40% of EU denim imports, well ahead of Pakistan (€525.49m) and Turkey (€438.25m). But its value fell 5.85%, slightly faster than the market, and its share slipped from 29.85% to 29.40%.

August improved the picture. Imports from Bangladesh rose 12.71% to €134.08m, ahead of the market's 11.23%. Its August share was 31.17%, up from 30.76% a year earlier, and it supplied about 35% of the EU's August increase. That month narrowed Bangladesh's year-to-date decline from 8.59% through July to 5.85%.

The wider market is shifting. Turkey lost €117m, down 21.08%, and accounts for most of the EU's overall decline. Morocco fell 14.48%, Pakistan 7.88%, Cambodia 6.47% and Tunisia 6.44%. The gains went mainly to Egypt (+31.46%, +€45m), China (+17.70%, +€30m) and Vietnam (+45.38%, +€17m). Bangladesh did better than most of its traditional rivals but did not capture the business Turkey lost.

The practical takeaway for Bangladesh: its lead is secure for now, and August suggests demand is returning. Holding share will depend on matching nearer suppliers on speed and flexibility, since that is where the EU's new orders are going.

When contacted, Mohiuddin Rubel, former Director of the BGMEA and Founder & CEO, Bangladesh Apparel Voice told Asia Post, “The Ukraine-Russia war and the Middle East conflicts slowed the demand in European markets round the year. Meanwhile, it showed slightly upward demands in the August.”

The business leader said, if the market become corrected, the trend of up warding will be continued.

But he expressed cautions that if the war situation worsen further, the demands in Europe might be fall again.

The business leader stressed on searching new markets and diversifying export baskets for revival in boosting exports.