Textile Focus organized Eurofins Assurance presents “Rising Costs in Textile and Apparel Industry: Challenges & Way Forward,” on 07th August 2025 in Dhaka. The insightful event brought together industry leaders, sustainability advocates, and stakeholders who are working on cost minimization at the industry, renewable energy solutions, Process optimization, and environmentally responsible practices shaping the future of Bangladesh’s T&A industry. As distinguished speakers Vidiya Amrit Khan, Vice President, BGMEA; DMD, Desh Garments Ltd.; Amer Salim, Director, New Asia Group ; Kazi Ashraful Hoque Jewel, Director & Chairman, Standing Committee on Arbitration, BGAPMEA; Md. Rashedur Rahman, Managing Director, Pullman Knitwear (Pvt.) Ltd.; Syed M. Sajjad, Managing Director, Majumder Group; UzzL Hossain FCA, Director (Finance), Fakir Fashion Limited; Fahima Islam, DGM (Sourcing & Marketing), Al Muslim Group; Masudur Rahim, CEO, Omera Solar, Omera Renewable Energy Limited; Mohammad Abdur Rouf, CEO, IN Button Ltd.; Adib Sajjad, Country Manager, Solvi8; Rizvan Hasan, Country Head, Reverse Resources; Mahmudul Hasan, Chief Operating Officer, ERI; A.B.M. Faqrul Alam, Group Sustainability Lead, Urmi Group; Engr. Ahmed Javed Jamal, Director-Technical Operations & Marketing, Silkflex Bangladesh were present. The session was moderated by Mohammed Al Tauhidul Islam, DGM, Envoy Textiles Ltd. Mohammad Ashraful Islam Riyadh, Editor, Textile Focus welcomed all for the insightful discussion, while a vote of thanks was given by Rashed Ahmed, Managing Director for Bangladesh and Pakistan, Eurofins Assurance.
A brief discussion is given below for our readers-
BGMEA is responding by engaging policymakers for fairer trade terms, exploring new markets and product categories
The recent rise in U.S. import taxes to 35.6% comes at a challenging time for Bangladesh’s apparel sector, as the U.S. market accounts for nearly a third of our exports. This increase will likely raise costs, affect demand, and squeeze profit margins.
BGMEA is responding by engaging policymakers for fairer trade terms, exploring new markets and product categories, and investing in sustainability and innovation. While this poses a challenge, it also pushes us to strengthen our competitiveness and continue being a reliable global apparel partner.
Sustainability is not just a cost; it is an investment for our future.
Sustainability is not just a cost; it is an investment in our future. Sustainable materials may cost more, but at New Asia Group, we manage these expenses through efficient processes, innovation, and close partnerships with buyers.
Optimizing production, reducing waste, and using renewable energy help offset costs. Our clients value sustainable practices and are willing to share the responsibility, allowing us to remain competitive while preparing for a sustainable future.
BGAPMEA is focused on helping its members’ businesses stay competitive through collective sourcing & policy advocacy
Rising raw material and energy costs are a serious concern, particularly for small and medium accessories manufacturers. BGAPMEA is focused on helping these businesses stay competitive through collective sourcing, policy advocacy for subsidies and financing, and training on efficiency and technology adoption.
Strengthening collaboration in the supply chain and encouraging innovation ensures SMEs can navigate challenges and grow sustainably.
Our one-stop solution from design to delivery allows sustainability to be integrated into every step
We are to deal a lot of issues regarding bank interest, NBR, Port and shipment parameters. We are to face lots of difficulties in processing the deals and implementing the proper law in the right way. We must take care of those to optimize the cost; otherwise, it will be difficult to survive. Upfront spending on cleaner production and energy-efficient technology is balanced by phased investments, improved efficiency, and partnerships with buyers who value responsible sourcing.
Reducing waste, lowering energy use, and streamlining operations recovers costs over time. Our one-stop solution from design to delivery allows sustainability to be integrated into every step, keeping us competitive and resilient in the global market.
Production planning, energy-efficient machinery, and waste reduction help control expenses
At Pullman Knitwear, we face rising yarn, energy, and labor costs with practical efficiency measures. Production planning, energy-efficient machinery, and waste reduction help control expenses. Workforce training boosts productivity without affecting quality, and strategic sourcing keeps yarn costs manageable.
Streamlined operations ensure timely delivery and high-quality output. These steps allow us to stay competitive while meeting client expectations. By focusing on efficiency and careful planning, we demonstrate that it is possible to manage costs without sacrificing quality or deadlines.
Investing in renewable energy is the timely investment for the industry
Investing in renewable energy is a timely investment for the industry to minimize energy costs. We design renewable energy solutions that balance cost and sustainability.
Choosing between CapEX and OpEX depends on the client’s priorities. CapEX allows asset ownership and long-term savings, while OpEX offers low upfront costs, predictable expenses, and immediate benefits. For many industrial clients, OpEX is more practical and scalable, enabling faster adoption of renewable energy and significant reductions in carbon emissions.
We focus on efficiency, optimize cash flow, and prioritize investments that offer long-term savings.
At Fakir Fashion, managing rising operational costs while investing in green technologies requires careful financial planning. We focus on efficiency, optimize cash flow, and prioritize investments that offer long-term savings. Strategic budgeting, monitoring, and collaboration with buyers help us balance sustainability initiatives with profitability.
By integrating green technologies in a phased manner and leveraging incentives, we reduce costs over time while maintaining financial stability. This approach allows us to remain a competitive and responsible apparel exporter, demonstrating that sustainability and profitability can coexist when guided by sound financial strategies.
We optimize manufacturing processes, invest in modern machinery, and train staff to minimize waste and maximize output.
IN Button reduces production costs by improving efficiency and embracing innovation while maintaining product quality. We optimize manufacturing processes, invest in modern machinery, and train staff to minimize waste and maximize output. Strategic sourcing and long-term supplier relationships also help control costs without compromising standards.
By combining these efforts, we deliver high-quality trims and accessories at competitive prices. Our approach demonstrates that cost management and quality can coexist, even in a highly competitive market.
ERI helps garment factories reduce resource costs by improving efficiency in energy, water, and chemical usage
ERI helps garment factories reduce resource costs by improving efficiency in energy, water, and chemical usage. We combine technology, training, and process optimization to identify waste and implement practical solutions. Installing energy-efficient equipment, recycling water, and optimizing chemical use allows factories to lower expenses while maintaining quality. On-site guidance and ongoing monitoring ensure that improvements last over time.
Through these strategies, ERI helps apparel manufacturers save money, increase productivity, and enhance their environmental performance, proving that efficiency and sustainability can work hand in hand.
We integrate traceability into existing sourcing processes, streamline workflows, and use digital tools.
At Al Muslim Group, traceability is treated as an investment in transparency and trust rather than a cost burden. We integrate traceability into existing sourcing processes, streamline workflows, and use digital tools to reduce manual effort. Collaborating closely with suppliers allows us to track materials efficiently without significantly raising costs.
This approach ensures transparency, meets buyer expectations, and strengthens credibility. By balancing traceability and cost control, we continue to source sustainably while remaining competitive in global markets.
Circularity helps factories save by reducing waste and reusing textile materials
Circularity helps factories save by reducing waste and reusing textile materials. Reverse Resources connects factories with recyclers and brands, ensuring leftover fabrics and trims are repurposed.
This approach cuts costs and improves sustainability, which buyers increasingly demand. In Bangladesh, we provide digital tools, guidance, and matchmaking to help manufacturers adopt circular practices, lower costs, and remain competitive in global markets.
Digital solutions help factories monitor operations in real time, analyze data, and reduce waste
Digital solutions help factories monitor operations in real time, analyze data, and reduce waste. Rising production costs make these tools essential for improving efficiency and decision-making.
Solvi8 supports Bangladeshi factories by providing tailored solutions, training staff, and offering continuous insights. By using digital strategies, manufacturers can enhance productivity, lower costs, and stay competitive while maintaining high quality.
By integrating sustainability into daily operations, we save resources, reduce waste, and remain competitive
At Urmi Group, sustainability reduces costs rather than adding them. Measures like energy-efficient lighting, water optimization, and recycling systems lower utility bills while benefiting the environment. For example, rainwater harvesting and water recycling have cut costs and supported green production.
By integrating sustainability into daily operations, we save resources, reduce waste, and remain competitive, showing that responsible practices can strengthen the bottom line.
Silkflex supports garment factories in adopting sustainable printing by offering innovative, eco-friendly solutions
Silkflex supports garment factories in adopting sustainable printing by offering innovative, eco-friendly solutions that reduce water and chemical usage. We provide technical guidance, training, and hands-on support to ensure that factories implement these technologies efficiently. By optimizing processes and introducing cost-effective green alternatives, we help clients maintain high-quality output while keeping expenses under control.
Our goal is to make sustainable printing practical and affordable, showing that factories can adopt environmentally responsible practices without compromising competitiveness or production standards.
This roundtable brings together industry leaders to share practical strategies, from operational efficiency and digital solutions to circularity and renewable energy adoption
We gather to discuss a pressing issue: rising costs in the textile and apparel industry. From raw materials and energy to labor and sustainability investments, manufacturers face mounting pressures that impact competitiveness and profitability. This roundtable brings together industry leaders to share practical strategies, from operational efficiency and digital solutions to circularity and renewable energy adoption. Our goal is to explore actionable ways forward, balancing cost management, innovation, and sustainability, to ensure the industry remains globally competitive.
By focusing on efficiency, compliance, and sustainability, manufacturers can reduce risks
As Managing Director for Bangladesh and Pakistan at Eurofins Assurance, I see firsthand how rising costs, regulatory demands, and sustainability pressures are reshaping the textile and apparel industry.
Today’s challenges push us to adopt smarter practices, embrace quality assurance, and integrate innovative solutions. By focusing on efficiency, compliance, and sustainability, manufacturers can reduce risks, improve product value, and remain globally competitive. Collaboration and knowledge sharing are key, and I am excited to be part of this dialogue, driving the industry forward.
Through collaboration, digital solutions, sustainable practices, and strategic planning, we can turn cost pressures into strengths
Focus Talk is essentially a series of episodes where each event will be a separate session. We have tried to bring on board key individuals from various sustainability parameters who are practically working in the industry. As we wrap up the discussion, it’s clear that rising costs in the textile and apparel industry are a serious challenge, yet also an opportunity to innovate. Through collaboration, digital solutions, sustainable practices, and strategic planning, we can turn these pressures into strengths. I sincerely thank all our panellists and participants for their insights and engagement. Let’s carry these ideas forward, implement practical solutions, and continue building a resilient, competitive, and sustainable global textile industry.
Our main objective is to extract some noteworthy insights from this discussion and circulate them, so that if we can add any value to the industry through it, our initiative will be considered successful.
