Bangladesh is an emerging market for Home Textiles. According to data from the Export Promotion Bureau, Bangladesh’s export of home textiles, in fiscal 2017-18 including those of terry towels, bedsheets, linen, curtains and pillow covers, grew by 9.95 percent year-on-year to reach $878.68 million. However, the export of terry towel declined by 4.40 percent year-on-year to $42.35 million last fiscal year. The sector’s growth declined from January 2014, when the European Union (EU) allowed zero-duty benefit to Pakistan under it GSP Plus scheme, on export of home textiles and some other products.
According to the European apparel and textile confederation, Euratex, the EU imported over $6.86 billion-worth home textiles in 2016. Of it, China accounted for 33 percent, Pakistan 25 percent, Turkey 16 percent and India 11 percent. Bangladesh’s share was 7-8 percent. The EU’s data shows that its preferential import of textiles and clothing from Pakistan increased by 82 per cent year-on-year in 2014. Bangladesh previously enjoyed 9.6 percent duty privilege over Pakistan as a least developed country in the EU, its main export destination.
