According to the International Trade Center (ITC), Japan imported apparel worth US $22.86 billion globally in 2024. Surprisingly, only US $1.26 billion of that came from Bangladesh, representing just 5.50% of Japan’s total apparel imports.
Industry experts suggest this figure underscores a significant untapped opportunity for Bangladesh in the Japanese market — a market renowned for its lucrative pay rates, demand for high- and fast-fashion trends, and strict quality standards.
“Diversifying our market focus beyond Europe and the USA to include nontraditional destinations like Japan is a strategic step toward reducing overreliance on traditional partners,” said Mohiuddin Rubel, Former Director of BGMEA, Managing Director of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, and Additional Managing Director of Denim Expert Ltd.
He added that tapping into Japan’s fashion-forward and quality-conscious market could open new avenues for growth, strengthening Bangladesh’s position in the global apparel industry.
