Founded in 2007, Texture BD Group is a leading apparel sourcing and manufacturing company that provides end-to-end solutions for global fashion brands and retailers. With a fully integrated supply chain, the company specializes in product design, development, sourcing, manufacturing, quality assurance, and logistics. Operating its own manufacturing facilities alongside an extensive network of partner factories, Texture BD produces a diverse range of knitwear, woven garments, sweaters, activewear, sleepwear, corporate wear, and children’s apparel. Backed by design support from the UK and strategic sourcing operations in China, the company combines innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence to deliver high-quality, value-added products with competitive lead times. Through its customer-focused approach and commitment to responsible manufacturing, Texture BD continues to strengthen its position in the global apparel industry.
In this exclusive interview with Textile Focus, Md. Jasim Uddin, Managing Director of Texture BD Group and Founding Director of BAYLA, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of Bangladesh’s RMG industry. He discusses the European market slowdown, the impact of global economic challenges, and the growing importance of product diversification, value-added manufacturing, innovation, and market-driven product development to strengthen Bangladesh’s global competitiveness and ensure sustainable growth.
Europe’s Market Slowdown: A Demand-Driven Challenge
Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the European market have recently slowed noticeably, with shipments reportedly declining by around 20%. The country’s key European destinations, including Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy, have all witnessed weaker demand. However, this decline is not unique to Bangladesh; it reflects a broader global market contraction. According to industry observations, geopolitical tensions, particularly the recent conflict involving the United States and Iran, have contributed to higher global oil prices, triggering inflation across Europe. As the cost of daily essentials has risen significantly, consumers are allocating more of their income to necessities, reducing discretionary spending on fashion and apparel.
Innovation and Product Diversification Are Essential
In today’s competitive apparel market, relying on the same products season after season is no longer a sustainable strategy. Buyers increasingly expect fresh designs, innovative fabrics, and differentiated product offerings. Manufacturers must therefore invest in continuous product development and introduce newness into every collection. Even long-standing buyers are unlikely to place repeat orders if suppliers continue presenting basic, unchanged products. Product diversification has become a key driver of competitiveness, enabling manufacturers to maintain customer interest while responding to changing consumer preferences.
Responding to Fast-Changing Fashion Trends
The rise of AI-driven market analysis, social media, and digital commerce has dramatically accelerated fashion cycles. Platforms such as TikTok can generate massive demand for a product almost overnight, with thousands of pieces sold within a single day through livestream shopping. Chinese manufacturers have been particularly successful in capitalizing on these opportunities because of their short lead times and rapid production capabilities. To remain competitive, Bangladeshi manufacturers must strengthen their market research capabilities, monitor emerging fashion trends daily, and develop products that align with real-time consumer demand rather than relying solely on traditional seasonal planning.
From Volume to Value Addition
Rather than focusing exclusively on export volume, Bangladesh’s apparel industry should place greater emphasis on value-added manufacturing. While cotton remains one of the country’s strongest competitive advantages, the future lies in producing garments with functional fabrics, technical features, and higher value propositions. Exporting fewer pieces with stronger margins can ultimately create a healthier and more sustainable business model. As global competition intensifies, manufacturers that prioritize innovation and value creation will be better positioned to withstand market fluctuations.
The Challenge of Basic Garment Manufacturing
Basic apparel products, particularly standard T-shirts, have become increasingly difficult to manufacture profitably. Despite rising production costs, including higher worker wages, electricity expenses, bank interest rates, and other operational overheads, cut-and-make (CM) prices for basic T-shirts have remained largely unchanged for years. For small and medium-sized factories, these narrow margins make sustainable operations increasingly challenging. While large factories may still benefit from economies of scale through high-volume production, smaller manufacturers should instead focus on specialized, higher-value products where they can leverage technical expertise and differentiate themselves from competitors.
Building a Stronger Future for Bangladesh’s RMG Industry
Although the current market environment remains challenging, the long-term outlook for Bangladesh’s apparel industry remains promising. Success will depend on embracing innovation, strengthening product development, and responding quickly to evolving global fashion trends. By shifting from commodity products to value-added solutions, manufacturers can enhance profitability and strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the global market.
