Muhammad Tarek; Dbarta24 – Bangladesh remained the European Union’s largest denim supplier in January–August 2026, accounting for 29.4% of the market —even as its shipments declined from a year earlier.
The latest Eurostat figures show exports fell 5.85% to €869.13 million, while an August rebound offered a brighter note.
Bangladesh’s August denim exports to the EU rose 12.71% year on year to €134.08 million. The increase outpaced the growth in the bloc’s overall denim imports that month. But the stronger August result was not enough to reverse the decline across the first eight months of the year.
Pakistan ranked second among EU denim suppliers, with a 17.78% market share. Turkey was third at 14.82%, while China held 6.67%. Bangladesh maintained a substantial lead over its competitors despite the year-to-date downturn.
Industry leaders say investment in technology, skilled workers and higher-value finishing has helped Bangladesh strengthen its position.
Denim makers have moved beyond basic products, using modern machinery and washing and finishing techniques to produce more attractive and comfortable fabrics.
Mohiuddin Rubel, deputy managing director of Denim Expert and a former director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said the country’s value-addition opportunities and skilled workforce had helped make its denim products sought after globally.
Bangladesh has around 50 denim fabric mills, with capacity to produce about 40 million yards a month, according to figures cited in the original report. Local fabric can also help garment exporters save time and costs.
The latest figures point to a resilient position in Europe, but the fall in shipments highlights the challenge of sustaining growth.
Further investment in technology, skills and higher-value products could help Bangladesh protect its lead in the competitive denim market.