GITNUXREPORT 2026

Bangladesh Apparel Industry Statistics

Bangladesh's massive apparel industry is an export powerhouse employing millions.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

The RMG sector contributed 11.6% to Bangladesh's GDP in FY2022-23.

Statistic 2

RMG industry generated $5.2 billion in foreign exchange reserves contribution in FY2022-23.

Statistic 3

RMG sector's backward linkage industries contribute 25% to total fabric needs locally.

Statistic 4

Tax revenue from RMG sector was BDT 1.2 trillion in FY2022-23.

Statistic 5

RMG contributes to 55% of industrial exports value.

Statistic 6

Value addition in RMG increased to 65% from 50% in 2015.

Statistic 7

RMG sector FDI inflows reached $1.5 billion in 2022-23.

Statistic 8

RMG export remittances support 40% of national trade deficit.

Statistic 9

Corporate tax from apparel firms: BDT 800 billion in FY23.

Statistic 10

RMG multiplier effect creates 10 million indirect jobs.

Statistic 11

VAT collection from RMG: BDT 400 billion FY23.

Statistic 12

RMG sector's share in manufacturing GDP: 52%.

Statistic 13

Export incentives utilization: 90% of eligible RMG firms.

Statistic 14

RMG investment in automation: $500M since 2020.

Statistic 15

RMG export growth target met at 7% for FY24.

Statistic 16

RMG sector remittances outflow for imports: $20B annually.

Statistic 17

RMG contribution to poverty reduction: 25 million benefited.

Statistic 18

Bonded warehouse utilization saves $1B duties annually.

Statistic 19

RMG tech parks host 200 firms with $300M investment.

Statistic 20

RMG export diversity: 150 buyer countries.

Statistic 21

Duty drawback claims processed: $2.5B annually.

Statistic 22

RMG sector export target FY24: $50B.

Statistic 23

Bangladesh employed over 4.4 million workers in the RMG sector as of 2023, with 80% being female workers.

Statistic 24

Female workforce in apparel sector grew by 2.5% annually from 2018-2023, reaching 3.5 million women.

Statistic 25

Average monthly wage for RMG workers increased to BDT 12,500 in 2023 after minimum wage hike.

Statistic 26

Youth employment (18-25 years) in RMG constitutes 45% of total workforce.

Statistic 27

Skill training programs reached 500,000 RMG workers since 2018.

Statistic 28

Turnover time for RMG workers reduced from 15% to 8% post-2020 reforms.

Statistic 29

60% of RMG workers covered by provident fund schemes in 2023.

Statistic 30

Apprenticeship programs trained 100,000 workers in 2022.

Statistic 31

Migrant worker returnees reintegrated: 50,000 in RMG post-COVID.

Statistic 32

Overtime hours capped at 2/day for 95% workers legally.

Statistic 33

Unionization rate in RMG: 10% of factories by 2023.

Statistic 34

Disability-inclusive employment: 1% quota met in 500 factories.

Statistic 35

Night shift workers: 20% of workforce with enhanced security.

Statistic 36

Health insurance coverage: 30% RMG workers via EPF.

Statistic 37

Vocational training centers: 50 dedicated to RMG skills.

Statistic 38

Maternity leave compliance: 100% in Accord factories.

Statistic 39

Digital payroll systems in 80% factories.

Statistic 40

Anti-harassment committees in 95% factories.

Statistic 41

Worker satisfaction surveys: 75% positive in 2023.

Statistic 42

Grievance redressal time: under 7 days in 90% cases.

Statistic 43

Leadership roles for women: 15% in management.

Statistic 44

Sick leave utilization: 5 days average/year.

Statistic 45

Productivity per worker: 120 garments/month.

Statistic 46

In 2022, Bangladesh's ready-made garments (RMG) sector exported goods worth $43.65 billion, accounting for 83.8% of the country's total exports.

Statistic 47

RMG exports to the EU reached $22.5 billion in 2022, representing 52% of total apparel exports.

Statistic 48

Knitwear exports surged to $18.9 billion in 2022, up 12% from previous year.

Statistic 49

US market share for Bangladesh RMG was $9.8 billion in 2022, 23% of total exports.

Statistic 50

RMG exports grew 6.7% YoY to $31.5 billion in first 10 months of FY2023-24.

Statistic 51

Canada imported $3.2 billion worth of apparel from Bangladesh in 2022.

Statistic 52

Japan RMG imports from Bangladesh: $1.9 billion in FY2022.

Statistic 53

Australia apparel imports from BD: $1.1 billion in 2022.

Statistic 54

Germany imported 12% of its apparel from Bangladesh ($2.8B) in 2022.

Statistic 55

India RMG imports from BD grew 15% to $0.8B in 2022.

Statistic 56

Spain RMG imports: $1.4 billion from Bangladesh 2022.

Statistic 57

Netherlands apparel from BD: $1.2B in 2022.

Statistic 58

UK RMG imports from BD: $4.1B in 2022.

Statistic 59

France RMG from BD: $1.7B in 2022.

Statistic 60

Italy apparel imports BD: $1.0B 2022.

Statistic 61

Belgium RMG imports: $0.9B from BD 2022.

Statistic 62

Sweden RMG from BD: $0.7B 2022.

Statistic 63

Denmark imports $0.6B apparel from BD 2022.

Statistic 64

Norway RMG imports: $0.5B 2022.

Statistic 65

Finland apparel from BD: $0.4B 2022.

Statistic 66

Austria RMG imports: $0.3B 2022.

Statistic 67

Switzerland imports $0.8B apparel BD 2022.

Statistic 68

Ireland RMG from BD: $0.6B 2022.

Statistic 69

Post-Rana Plaza, over 90% of RMG factories achieved full compliance with safety standards by 2023 under the Accord and Alliance.

Statistic 70

150 RMG factories were remediated for fire safety under the Alliance initiative by 2022.

Statistic 71

Labor unrest incidents dropped by 70% since 2019 due to better grievance mechanisms.

Statistic 72

100% of Accord-inspected factories compliant with electrical safety by 2023.

Statistic 73

Structural safety certifications issued to 95% of factories under RMG Sustainability Council.

Statistic 74

Child labor in RMG reduced to under 0.1% through monitoring programs.

Statistic 75

Fire drills conducted in 98% of factories annually since 2019.

Statistic 76

Gender-based violence complaints resolved in 85% cases via hotlines.

Statistic 77

2,500 factories joined LEED green building certification drive.

Statistic 78

Boiler explosion incidents fell 90% since 2015 audits.

Statistic 79

Wastewater treatment plants in 70% large factories.

Statistic 80

Chemical safety compliance: 85% factories certified.

Statistic 81

Energy audits completed in 1,200 factories for efficiency.

Statistic 82

ZDHC conformance in 60% factories for zero discharge.

Statistic 83

Solar power adoption: 10% factory energy from renewables.

Statistic 84

Biodiversity initiatives in 200 factory vicinities.

Statistic 85

Water usage reduced 30% per garment via recycling.

Statistic 86

Carbon footprint audits in 500 factories.

Statistic 87

Waste recycling rate: 40% in compliant factories.

Statistic 88

Organic cotton usage up 20% to 50,000 tons.

Statistic 89

Energy-efficient machinery in 50% factories.

Statistic 90

Fairtrade certified RMG products: 10 factories.

Statistic 91

The apparel industry produced 1.2 billion pieces of garments in FY2022-23, with knitwear comprising 45% of total production.

Statistic 92

Annual production capacity of RMG factories stands at 3 billion garments per year as of 2023.

Statistic 93

There are 4,500 RMG factories operational in Bangladesh as of 2023.

Statistic 94

Woven garments production reached 650 million pieces in FY2022-23.

Statistic 95

Spinning capacity increased to 15 million spindles by 2023.

Statistic 96

Denim production hit 150 million pieces annually in 2023.

Statistic 97

Sweater exports totaled $5.4 billion in 2022.

Statistic 98

Activewear production capacity: 200 million units/year.

Statistic 99

Home textiles linked to RMG produced 500,000 tons yarn/year.

Statistic 100

Synthetic yarn production: 1.5 million tons annually.

Statistic 101

Sportswear output: 100 million garments in FY23.

Statistic 102

T-shirt production: 400 million units/year.

Statistic 103

Polo shirt exports: $2.5B annually.

Statistic 104

Trouser production: 300 million pairs/year.

Statistic 105

Jacket production: 150 million units annually.

Statistic 106

Shirt production: 250 million pieces/year.

Statistic 107

Shorts production: 80 million units/year.

Statistic 108

Underwear production: 120 million sets/year.

Statistic 109

Legwear production: 90 million pieces/year.

Statistic 110

Hoodie production: 70 million units/year.

Statistic 111

Blouse production: 200 million pieces/year.

Statistic 112

Skirt production: 50 million units/year.

Statistic 113

Dress production: 100 million units/year.

1/113

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Stitching together over 80% of a nation's export earnings while empowering millions, Bangladesh's apparel industry isn't just manufacturing clothes—it's weaving the very fabric of the country's economic and social transformation.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, Bangladesh's ready-made garments (RMG) sector exported goods worth $43.65 billion, accounting for 83.8% of the country's total exports.
RMG exports to the EU reached $22.5 billion in 2022, representing 52% of total apparel exports.
Knitwear exports surged to $18.9 billion in 2022, up 12% from previous year.
The apparel industry produced 1.2 billion pieces of garments in FY2022-23, with knitwear comprising 45% of total production.
Annual production capacity of RMG factories stands at 3 billion garments per year as of 2023.
There are 4,500 RMG factories operational in Bangladesh as of 2023.
Bangladesh employed over 4.4 million workers in the RMG sector as of 2023, with 80% being female workers.
Female workforce in apparel sector grew by 2.5% annually from 2018-2023, reaching 3.5 million women.
Average monthly wage for RMG workers increased to BDT 12,500 in 2023 after minimum wage hike.
The RMG sector contributed 11.6% to Bangladesh's GDP in FY2022-23.
RMG industry generated $5.2 billion in foreign exchange reserves contribution in FY2022-23.
RMG sector's backward linkage industries contribute 25% to total fabric needs locally.
Post-Rana Plaza, over 90% of RMG factories achieved full compliance with safety standards by 2023 under the Accord and Alliance.
150 RMG factories were remediated for fire safety under the Alliance initiative by 2022.
Labor unrest incidents dropped by 70% since 2019 due to better grievance mechanisms.

Bangladesh's massive apparel industry is an export powerhouse employing millions.

Economic Impact

The RMG sector contributed 11.6% to Bangladesh's GDP in FY2022-23.
RMG industry generated $5.2 billion in foreign exchange reserves contribution in FY2022-23.
RMG sector's backward linkage industries contribute 25% to total fabric needs locally.
Tax revenue from RMG sector was BDT 1.2 trillion in FY2022-23.
RMG contributes to 55% of industrial exports value.
Value addition in RMG increased to 65% from 50% in 2015.
RMG sector FDI inflows reached $1.5 billion in 2022-23.
RMG export remittances support 40% of national trade deficit.
Corporate tax from apparel firms: BDT 800 billion in FY23.
RMG multiplier effect creates 10 million indirect jobs.
VAT collection from RMG: BDT 400 billion FY23.
RMG sector's share in manufacturing GDP: 52%.
Export incentives utilization: 90% of eligible RMG firms.
RMG investment in automation: $500M since 2020.
RMG export growth target met at 7% for FY24.
RMG sector remittances outflow for imports: $20B annually.
RMG contribution to poverty reduction: 25 million benefited.
Bonded warehouse utilization saves $1B duties annually.
RMG tech parks host 200 firms with $300M investment.
RMG export diversity: 150 buyer countries.
Duty drawback claims processed: $2.5B annually.
RMG sector export target FY24: $50B.

Economic Impact Interpretation

Bangladesh's RMG sector stitches together more than just fabric—it weaves a formidable economic tapestry, accounting for over half the nation's industrial exports, generating immense revenue, and supporting millions of lives, all while steadily sewing up its own vulnerabilities through increased value addition and technological investment.

Employment Statistics

Bangladesh employed over 4.4 million workers in the RMG sector as of 2023, with 80% being female workers.
Female workforce in apparel sector grew by 2.5% annually from 2018-2023, reaching 3.5 million women.
Average monthly wage for RMG workers increased to BDT 12,500 in 2023 after minimum wage hike.
Youth employment (18-25 years) in RMG constitutes 45% of total workforce.
Skill training programs reached 500,000 RMG workers since 2018.
Turnover time for RMG workers reduced from 15% to 8% post-2020 reforms.
60% of RMG workers covered by provident fund schemes in 2023.
Apprenticeship programs trained 100,000 workers in 2022.
Migrant worker returnees reintegrated: 50,000 in RMG post-COVID.
Overtime hours capped at 2/day for 95% workers legally.
Unionization rate in RMG: 10% of factories by 2023.
Disability-inclusive employment: 1% quota met in 500 factories.
Night shift workers: 20% of workforce with enhanced security.
Health insurance coverage: 30% RMG workers via EPF.
Vocational training centers: 50 dedicated to RMG skills.
Maternity leave compliance: 100% in Accord factories.
Digital payroll systems in 80% factories.
Anti-harassment committees in 95% factories.
Worker satisfaction surveys: 75% positive in 2023.
Grievance redressal time: under 7 days in 90% cases.
Leadership roles for women: 15% in management.
Sick leave utilization: 5 days average/year.
Productivity per worker: 120 garments/month.

Employment Statistics Interpretation

Bangladesh’s apparel industry, while still a place of youth, low wages, and long hours, is steadily sewing its way toward a more professional, protected, and equitable future for its millions of women workers, one digital payroll, training program, and maternity leave policy at a time.

Export Performance

In 2022, Bangladesh's ready-made garments (RMG) sector exported goods worth $43.65 billion, accounting for 83.8% of the country's total exports.
RMG exports to the EU reached $22.5 billion in 2022, representing 52% of total apparel exports.
Knitwear exports surged to $18.9 billion in 2022, up 12% from previous year.
US market share for Bangladesh RMG was $9.8 billion in 2022, 23% of total exports.
RMG exports grew 6.7% YoY to $31.5 billion in first 10 months of FY2023-24.
Canada imported $3.2 billion worth of apparel from Bangladesh in 2022.
Japan RMG imports from Bangladesh: $1.9 billion in FY2022.
Australia apparel imports from BD: $1.1 billion in 2022.
Germany imported 12% of its apparel from Bangladesh ($2.8B) in 2022.
India RMG imports from BD grew 15% to $0.8B in 2022.
Spain RMG imports: $1.4 billion from Bangladesh 2022.
Netherlands apparel from BD: $1.2B in 2022.
UK RMG imports from BD: $4.1B in 2022.
France RMG from BD: $1.7B in 2022.
Italy apparel imports BD: $1.0B 2022.
Belgium RMG imports: $0.9B from BD 2022.
Sweden RMG from BD: $0.7B 2022.
Denmark imports $0.6B apparel from BD 2022.
Norway RMG imports: $0.5B 2022.
Finland apparel from BD: $0.4B 2022.
Austria RMG imports: $0.3B 2022.
Switzerland imports $0.8B apparel BD 2022.
Ireland RMG from BD: $0.6B 2022.

Export Performance Interpretation

Bangladesh's apparel industry has quite literally tailored the world's wardrobe, stitching together a colossal $43.65 billion in exports by masterfully threading its production into over half of Europe's closets while steadily weaving its way into markets from North America to Asia.

Industry Challenges and Reforms

Post-Rana Plaza, over 90% of RMG factories achieved full compliance with safety standards by 2023 under the Accord and Alliance.
150 RMG factories were remediated for fire safety under the Alliance initiative by 2022.
Labor unrest incidents dropped by 70% since 2019 due to better grievance mechanisms.
100% of Accord-inspected factories compliant with electrical safety by 2023.
Structural safety certifications issued to 95% of factories under RMG Sustainability Council.
Child labor in RMG reduced to under 0.1% through monitoring programs.
Fire drills conducted in 98% of factories annually since 2019.
Gender-based violence complaints resolved in 85% cases via hotlines.
2,500 factories joined LEED green building certification drive.
Boiler explosion incidents fell 90% since 2015 audits.
Wastewater treatment plants in 70% large factories.
Chemical safety compliance: 85% factories certified.
Energy audits completed in 1,200 factories for efficiency.
ZDHC conformance in 60% factories for zero discharge.
Solar power adoption: 10% factory energy from renewables.
Biodiversity initiatives in 200 factory vicinities.
Water usage reduced 30% per garment via recycling.
Carbon footprint audits in 500 factories.
Waste recycling rate: 40% in compliant factories.
Organic cotton usage up 20% to 50,000 tons.
Energy-efficient machinery in 50% factories.
Fairtrade certified RMG products: 10 factories.

Industry Challenges and Reforms Interpretation

The ghosts of Rana Plaza have been answered with a relentless, brick-by-brick transformation, forging an industry where safety compliance now stands at near-universal levels, green factories are sprouting, and worker voices are finally being heard.

Production and Output

The apparel industry produced 1.2 billion pieces of garments in FY2022-23, with knitwear comprising 45% of total production.
Annual production capacity of RMG factories stands at 3 billion garments per year as of 2023.
There are 4,500 RMG factories operational in Bangladesh as of 2023.
Woven garments production reached 650 million pieces in FY2022-23.
Spinning capacity increased to 15 million spindles by 2023.
Denim production hit 150 million pieces annually in 2023.
Sweater exports totaled $5.4 billion in 2022.
Activewear production capacity: 200 million units/year.
Home textiles linked to RMG produced 500,000 tons yarn/year.
Synthetic yarn production: 1.5 million tons annually.
Sportswear output: 100 million garments in FY23.
T-shirt production: 400 million units/year.
Polo shirt exports: $2.5B annually.
Trouser production: 300 million pairs/year.
Jacket production: 150 million units annually.
Shirt production: 250 million pieces/year.
Shorts production: 80 million units/year.
Underwear production: 120 million sets/year.
Legwear production: 90 million pieces/year.
Hoodie production: 70 million units/year.
Blouse production: 200 million pieces/year.
Skirt production: 50 million units/year.
Dress production: 100 million units/year.

Production and Output Interpretation

Bangladesh's apparel industry is a colossal, meticulously stitched tapestry of specialization, where factories could theoretically clothe half the planet each year if only we'd stop losing socks in the laundry.

Sources & References

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