In a conversation with Ch Md. Golam Rabbi, Commercial Counsellor, Embassy of Bangladesh, Berlin, Germany
- Please, share data of total exports from Bangladesh in German and other EU countries?
The European Union continues to be the largest export destination for Bangladesh. In 2025, Bangladesh’s total exports reached approximately USD 45-48 billion, with the EU accounting for nearly half of this amount. According to the latest available data, exports from Bangladesh to the EU stood at around USD 23.9 billion in 2025, reflecting steady growth compared to previous years. Germany remains the single largest market within the EU. Bangladesh’s exports to Germany were approximately USD 8.8-9 billion in 2024, and the trend has remained stable into 2025, maintaining Germany as one of the top global destinations. Other major EU destinations include Spain, France, Italy, and the Netherlands, each importing several billion dollars’ worth of goods annually. The export basket is highly concentrated, with more than 80 to 90 percent consisting of readymade garments.
- What is export potential in German and other EU countries?
The export potential in Germany and across the EU remains strong and expanding. The EU market continues to grow in demand for apparel, and Bangladesh has reinforced its position as one of the top suppliers. For example, apparel exports to the EU recorded significant growth in 2025, including strong year on year increases in both value and volume.
Germany, as Europe’s largest economy, offers particularly high potential for value added and sustainable products. Demand is shifting toward environmentally friendly, ethically produced, and traceable goods. Bangladesh is well positioned to benefit due to its progress in green manufacturing and compliance standards.
Beyond garments, there is increasing scope in sectors such as light engineering, footwear, leather goods, technical textiles, pharmaceuticals, ICT services, and jute based eco friendly products.
With Bangladesh preparing for LDC graduation in 2026, securing continued preferential access to the EU market will be critical. If smooth transition arrangements such as GSP Plus are ensured, export growth is expected to continue in both volume and value terms.
- What are Key Challenges to increase export in German and other EU countries?
One of the main challenges is compliance with evolving EU regulations. New requirements related to sustainability, due diligence, and environmental standards are becoming more stringent, requiring continuous investment and adaptation by exporters.
Another structural challenge is limited diversification. Bangladesh’s exports are still heavily concentrated in cotton based garments, while demand in Europe is growing faster for man made fibre and high value technical products.
Logistics and supply chain efficiency also remain areas for improvement. Lead time, port handling, and freight costs continue to affect competitiveness compared to other sourcing countries.
In addition, global economic uncertainty and inflationary pressures in Europe have affected consumer demand, leading to cautious sourcing by buyers. Rising production costs, including energy and raw materials, further add to the challenge.
- What are your activities to boost export in German and other EU countries and strengthen sustainability in garment sector?
The Commercial Wing of Bangladesh Embassy in Berlin actively works to promote Bangladesh’s exports through trade fairs, buyer seller meetings, and regular engagement with German businesses, industry associations, and retail groups. These initiatives help strengthen direct linkages between Bangladeshi exporters and European buyers.
We also focus on policy advocacy and dialogue, particularly in areas related to market access, sustainability compliance, and upcoming EU regulations.
In terms of sustainability, Bangladesh has made notable progress. The country is now one of the global leaders in green garment manufacturing, with a large number of internationally certified eco friendly factories. These achievements are regularly highlighted in our outreach efforts in Germany and across Europe.
Additionally, we support capacity building initiatives for exporters, especially in areas such as environmental compliance, traceability, and circular economy practices. Strengthening these capabilities is essential to maintaining competitiveness in the EU market.
At the same time, the Commercial Wing is also working to expand the market presence of Bangladeshi Geographical Indication products in Germany and other EU countries. Promoting these unique and heritage based products is part of our broader strategy to diversify exports and enhance the global branding of Bangladesh
