Bangladesh retains EU’s top denim supplier spot

Bangladesh retained its position as the EU’s largest denim supplier in the first eight months of 2026, supported by competitive prices and a diverse product range, even as its exports to the bloc declined.

One in every three pairs of denim trousers worn in the EU is made in Bangladesh, highlighting the country’s strong position in the market. Eurostat data show that Bangladesh continued to lead other major denim-producing countries, including China.

Bangladesh exported €869.13 million worth of denim products to the EU in January-August, accounting for 29.40 percent of the bloc’s total denim imports. Pakistan ranked second with €525.49 million, followed by Turkey with €438.25 million.

However, Bangladesh’s denim exports to the EU fell 5.85 percent year-on-year during the period, slightly more than the overall market decline. Its share of the market also slipped from 29.85 percent a year earlier.

The picture improved in August, when EU imports of denim products from Bangladesh rose 12.71 percent year-on-year to €134.08 million.

Overall, the EU imported €2,956.21 million worth of denim products in January-August, down 4.40 percent from €3,092.27 million a year earlier. In August, however, imports rose 11.23 percent year-on-year to €430.16 million, signalling a pickup in demand.

Turkey recorded the steepest decline among major suppliers, with its denim exports to the EU falling by €117 million, or 21.08 percent, during the eight months. This accounted for most of the overall decline in EU denim imports.

Imports from Morocco fell 14.48 percent to €63.87 million, while those from Pakistan declined 7.88 percent to €525.49 million. Cambodia and Tunisia also recorded declines of 6.47 percent and 6.44 percent, to €144.83 million and €219.94 million, respectively.

Several suppliers, however, recorded growth. Egypt’s denim exports to the EU rose 31.46 percent year-on-year to €188.14 million, while China’s increased 17.70 percent to €197.13 million. Vietnam posted the strongest growth, with exports rising 45.38 percent to €53.98 million.