The European Union's apparel import market witnessed a significant reshuffling in 2025, as Bangladesh's exports to the bloc climbed to euro 18.06 billion despite a broader trend of falling unit prices and aggressive competition from China.
According to the latest Eurostat data for the period of January to November 2025, the EU's total apparel imports grew by 3.93 percent, reaching a total value of euro 82.94 billion.
While the market saw a robust 11.60 percent increase in volume, the average unit price for garments fell by 6.88%, signaling a highly competitive, price-sensitive environment for global suppliers.
Bangladesh, the EU's second-largest apparel supplier, saw its export value rise from euro 16.78 billion in 2024 to euro 18.06 billion in the first eleven months of 2025-a growth of 7.65 percent.
This value growth was largely volume-driven, with an 11.26 percent increase in the quantity of goods shipped, even as the country faced a 3.25 percent decrease in unit prices.
However, data from the end of the period suggests a cooling trend. A comparison between November 2024 and November 2025 reveals a sharp 10.87% drop in export value and a 12.27% decline in unit prices, highlighting the mounting pressure on Bangladeshi manufacturers to lower costs.
The report highlights a strategic pivot by China. Facing ongoing challenges in the United States market, China has intensified its focus on Europe.
Chinese apparel exports to the EU reached euro 24.42 billion, marking a 6.55 percent growth in value. Most notably, China saw a massive 15.73 percent surge in export volume, supported by a 7.93 percent reduction in unit prices.
The sourcing landscape across Asia showed varying results.
Vietnam recorded a healthy 10.10 percent growth, reaching euro 4.02 billion. Unlike its neighbors, Vietnam saw a 4.19 percent increase in unit price, likely reflecting a shift toward higher-value garments.
Turkey struggled significantly, facing an 11.31 percent decline in exports to the EU, totaling euro 7.66 billion. "UNB
