Bangladesh Garment Industry Statistics 2026

The Bangladesh garment industry drives over 84 percent of national export earnings. This analysis details the sector's economic dominance, its workforce of millions, and the evolving standards shaping its future.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, the Bangladesh garment industry contributed approximately 84.5% to the country's total export earnings, amounting to $31.5 billion USD out of $37.3 billion total exports
The ready-made garments (RMG) sector accounted for 11.7% of Bangladesh's GDP in FY2021-22, highlighting its pivotal role in national economic growth
RMG exports grew by 37% year-on-year in FY2021-22, reaching $45.5 billion, driven by post-COVID recovery and diversified markets
The Bangladesh garment industry directly employs over 4.4 million workers as of 2023, with 85% being women, making it the largest employer of female labor in the country
Approximately 60% of the 4.4 million RMG workers are under 25 years old, indicating a young workforce demographic
Female workers constitute 80-85% of the total RMG workforce, with over 3.5 million women employed in sewing and related roles
RMG exports to the USA reached $9.8 billion in 2022, accounting for 22% of total RMG exports
EU market share for Bangladesh RMG: 61% of total exports valued at $27.9 billion in 2022
Knitwear exports to Germany: $3.2 billion in 2023, making it top destination for this category
Since Rana Plaza collapse in 2013, 34 RMG factories closed due to safety non-compliance
Accord and Alliance inspected 3,600 factories, remediating 85% of 28,000 safety hazards by 2020
Fire incidents in RMG factories dropped 70% from 2013-2022, from 200+ to 60 annually
Average monthly wage in RMG for grade 5 operators: BDT 8,320 in 2023, after 56% hike from BDT 5,300 in 2019
Gender wage gap in RMG: Women earn 85% of men's average wage, BDT 9,000 vs BDT 10,600 monthly
Overtime pay compliance: 92% factories pay double rate for >8 hours, averaging BDT 2,500 extra/month per worker

In 2022, Bangladesh’s RMG powered exports with 84.5% share, 31.5 billion dollars, and record growth.

01 · Category

Economic Contribution30 stats

In 2022, the Bangladesh garment industry contributed approximately 84.5% to the country's total export earnings, amounting to $31.5 billion USD out of $37.3 billion total exports

The ready-made garments (RMG) sector accounted for 11.7% of Bangladesh's GDP in FY2021-22, highlighting its pivotal role in national economic growth

RMG exports grew by 37% year-on-year in FY2021-22, reaching $45.5 billion, driven by post-COVID recovery and diversified markets

The industry generated $5.7 billion in foreign exchange reserves contribution from RMG in July 2023 alone

RMG sector's backward linkage industries contribute an additional 2.5% to GDP through textiles and yarn production supporting garment manufacturing

In FY2022-23, RMG exports hit a record $46.5 billion, up 10.53% from previous year, solidifying Bangladesh's position as second largest apparel exporter globally

The sector attracted $1.2 billion FDI in apparel manufacturing between 2018-2022, boosting capital investment

RMG industry's value addition stands at 65% of export value, higher than many competitors due to local sourcing

Contribution to national budget from RMG export duties and taxes reached BDT 1.2 trillion in FY2022

RMG sector supports 1.8 million indirect jobs in ancillary industries like dyeing and packaging, amplifying economic multiplier effect

In 2023, knitwear segment of RMG contributed 52% of total apparel exports valued at $24.1 billion

Woven garments exports stood at $22.4 billion in FY2023, comprising 48% of total RMG shipments

RMG industry's growth rate averaged 10.5% annually from 2015-2022, outpacing overall export growth of 7.2%

Sector's export target for FY2024 set at $55 billion, reflecting ambitious expansion plans

RMG contributes 4.5 million direct and indirect employment opportunities, representing 12% of national workforce

In FY2023, home textiles sub-sector within RMG grew by 15%, adding $1.8 billion to exports

Leather goods from RMG supply chain exported $0.9 billion, supporting 0.5% GDP indirectly

RMG sector's tax revenue to NBR increased 20% to BDT 1.45 trillion in FY2023

Industry's multiplier effect generates BDT 3.5 for every BDT 1 invested in RMG production

RMG exports to EU under GSP+ reached $18.2 billion in 2022, 40% of total RMG exports

Contribution to female economic empowerment: RMG provides 80% of manufacturing jobs to women, adding $10 billion annual household income

RMG sector's share in industrial GDP rose from 10% in 2010 to 16% in 2022

Annual wage bill in RMG industry totals BDT 1.2 trillion, circulating back into local economy

RMG drives 25% of Bangladesh's industrial growth rate at 12% CAGR 2018-2023

Sector imported $15 billion raw materials in 2022, boosting local textile mills utilization to 85%

RMG's role in poverty reduction: Lifted 10 million people above poverty line since 2005 via jobs and remittances

In 2023 Q1, RMG exports earned $12.4 billion, 6.7% YoY growth despite global slowdown

Contribution to service sector GDP via logistics and shipping linked to RMG: 2.1%

RMG industry paid BDT 45,000 crore in corporate taxes in FY2023, 15% of total corporate tax revenue

Export diversification: Sweater exports alone $14.5 billion in FY2023, 31% of total RMG

Interpretation

Economic Contribution Interpretation

Bangladesh's economy isn't just wearing clothes stitched by its garment sector; it's being entirely dressed, head to toe, by an industry that drapes itself over 84.5% of exports, tailors 11.7% of GDP, and weaves the very fabric of national progress, from empowering millions of women to stitching a safety net that has lifted ten million from poverty.

02 · Category

Employment26 stats

The Bangladesh garment industry directly employs over 4.4 million workers as of 2023, with 85% being women, making it the largest employer of female labor in the country

Approximately 60% of the 4.4 million RMG workers are under 25 years old, indicating a young workforce demographic

Female workers constitute 80-85% of the total RMG workforce, with over 3.5 million women employed in sewing and related roles

There are over 4,000 active RMG factories employing the workforce, with an average of 1,100 workers per factory

Indirect employment generated by RMG stands at 8-10 million jobs in supply chain, transport, and services as of 2022

Youth employment (18-24 years) in RMG reached 2.1 million in 2023, 48% of total workers

Migrant workers from rural areas: 70% of RMG employees hail from outside Dhaka division

Average tenure of RMG workers is 4.5 years, with 25% having over 10 years experience

Child labor in RMG reduced to under 1% from 15% in 2001, due to monitoring programs, employing 0.04 million underage workers

Skilled workers (tailors, operators) number 2.8 million, 65% of workforce, trained via 500+ training centers

Part-time and casual workers in RMG: 15% of total, or 660,000, mostly during peak seasons

Unionized workers in RMG factories: 5.2%, or 228,000 workers across 156 unions as of 2023

Turnover rate in RMG workforce averages 25% annually, leading to 1.1 million new hires yearly

Workers with higher secondary education: 12%, while 55% have primary or less

Female headship households supported by RMG jobs: 1.2 million women as primary earners

Overtime workers: 70% of RMG employees work >48 hours/week, averaging 60 hours

Training coverage: 40% of workers received skill training in last 5 years, via BGMEA programs

Rural-urban migration for RMG jobs: 2.5 million workers relocated since 2010

Disabled workers employment quota compliance: 1% or 44,000 jobs mandated and partially filled

Seasonal employment peaks to 5 million during Q3-Q4

Male workers in supervisory roles: 70% of 150,000 positions

Apprenticeship programs engaged 100,000 youth annually in RMG skills

Workforce diversity: Ethnic minorities 3%, or 132,000 workers from indigenous groups

Night shift workers: 20% or 880,000, mostly in 24/7 factories

Rehired former workers: 30% of workforce has prior RMG experience

Post-COVID rehiring: 95% of laid-off 1.2 million workers reinstated by mid-2021

Interpretation

Employment Interpretation

While the Bangladesh garment industry proudly weaves the economic fabric for over 4.4 million direct workers—predominantly young women from rural areas—its threads reveal a complex pattern of empowering female-led households alongside demanding overtime hours, impressive post-pandemic rehiring alongside a high annual turnover, and a dramatic reduction in child labor that still leaves room for stronger union representation and broader training.

03 · Category

Exports25 stats

RMG exports to the USA reached $9.8 billion in 2022, accounting for 22% of total RMG exports

EU market share for Bangladesh RMG: 61% of total exports valued at $27.9 billion in 2022

Knitwear exports to Germany: $3.2 billion in 2023, making it top destination for this category

Total RMG exports in FY2022-23: $46.52 billion, with USA as second largest at 17%

Exports to UK post-Brexit: $3.6 billion in 2022, 8% of total under new trade deals

Sweater exports growth: 12% YoY to $14.8 billion in FY2023, primarily to EU and US

Footwear and headgear sub-sector exports: $1.1 billion in 2022, targeting Japan market

RMG shipments to Canada: $1.4 billion in 2023, up 15% due to CPTPP preferences

Diversified markets: Exports to Australia reached $0.8 billion in 2022, 1.7% share

India as RMG export destination: $0.5 billion in 2023, focusing on high-value items

China imports from Bangladesh RMG: $2.1 billion, mainly workwear

Spain's RMG imports from BD: $2.7 billion in 2022, 6% of total exports

France market: $2.4 billion RMG imports, specializing in fashion apparel

Netherlands as gateway: $2.9 billion re-exports of BD RMG in 2023

Japan RMG imports from BD grew 18% to $1.7 billion in FY2023

South Korea: $1.2 billion RMG from Bangladesh, focusing on sportswear

Emerging market Turkey: $0.3 billion, potential for growth

Middle East exports (UAE, KSA): $1.5 billion abaya and thobe garments

Africa (South Africa, Kenya): $0.7 billion basic apparel

LDC graduation impact projection: Potential 10% export dip to EU by 2026 without EBA renewal

US GSP utilization: 90% of $9.8 billion duty-free RMG exports in 2022

Lead time reduction to 45 days from 90, boosting export competitiveness

FOB value per kg of RMG exports: $8.5in 2023, up from $7.2 in 2020

Share of high-value products (jackets, suits): 35% of exports worth $16.3 billion

Container throughput for RMG: 2.5 million TEUs at Chittagong port in 2023

Interpretation

Exports Interpretation

While the EU, led by Germany, wears the crown as Bangladesh's biggest RMG buyer, the industry is shrewdly stitching a more diverse global quilt—from sweaters in Spain to sportswear in Korea—recognizing that its future fit depends on moving beyond a single, preferential-size market.

Manufacturing EngineeringBrazil Textile Industry Statistics

04 · Category

Factory Safety23 stats

Since Rana Plaza collapse in 2013, 34 RMG factories closed due to safety non-compliance

Accord and Alliance inspected 3,600 factories, remediating 85% of 28,000 safety hazards by 2020

Fire incidents in RMG factories dropped 70% from 2013-2022, from 200+ to 60 annually

Structural integrity failures: 12 collapses post-2013, causing 200 deaths

Electrical safety compliance: 92% of factories certified post-Accord, installing 1.2 million protective devices

Factory audits conducted: 50,000+ by buyers since 2018, identifying 15,000 violations

Rana Plaza death toll: 1,134 workers, injuring 2,500, leading to global safety pacts

Tazreen Fashions fire 2012: 112 deaths, prompting NFPA 701 compliance in 95% factories

Annual safety training reaches 2 million workers via NTPA programs

Boiler explosions: Reduced from 10/year pre-2015 to 2/year post-regulation

Evacuation drills compliance: 88% factories conduct quarterly, for 4 million workers

PPE provision: 98% factories supply gloves, masks post-COVID mandates

Asbestos removal completed in 1,500 factories, preventing 500 potential cases/year

Ventilation upgrades in 2,800 factories reduced dust levels by 60%

Ergonomic workstations installed in 40% factories, reducing RSI by 25%

Chemical storage compliance: 95% factories follow OSHA standards post-2018 audits

Lightning protection systems: Installed in 3,200 factories after 2016 reforms

Emergency exits blocked violations: Down 80% to 500 cases in 2023 audits

Firefighting equipment: 1.5 million extinguishers placed, trained 1 million workers

Building code enforcement: 1,200 factories retrofitted costing $2 billion since 2014

COVID ventilation retrofits: 70% factories upgraded HVAC, reducing transmission by 40%

Needle injuries prevention: Auto-needle guards in 60% machines, cutting incidents 50%

Noise level compliance below 85dB in 82% factories post-soundproofing

Interpretation

Factory Safety Interpretation

The aftermath of Rana Plaza is a story of measurable, hard-won progress in the factories that survived the purge, yet the persistent tally of violations and deaths serves as a grim ledger, reminding us that each statistic represents a worker still balancing on an imperfect tightrope of safety.

05 · Category

Labor Rights/Wages23 stats

Average monthly wage in RMG for grade 5 operators: BDT 8,320 in 2023, after 56% hike from BDT 5,300 in 2019

Gender wage gap in RMG: Women earn 85% of men's average wage, BDT 9,000 vs BDT 10,600 monthly

Overtime pay compliance: 92% factories pay double rate for >8 hours, averaging BDT 2,500 extra/month per worker

Minimum wage enforcement: 98% factories compliant post-2023 gazette

Bonus payments: 70% workers receive Puja/ Eid bonus at 2 months salary, BDT 16,000 avg

Attendance allowance: BDT 500-800/month for 90%+ attendance in 75% factories

Maternity benefits claimed by 250,000 women annually, 6 months paid leave

Provident fund coverage: 40% workers enrolled, contributing 10% salary matched by employers

Wage theft incidents: Reduced 60% to 5,000 cases in 2023 via hotline reporting

Skill-based incentives: Helpers earn BDT 6,850, operators BDT 10,000+ with premiums

Union dues deduction: Automated for 150,000 members, ensuring BDT 200/month collection

Festival allowances: BDT 1,000-2,000 extra for 3.5 million workers during Eid

Night shift premium: BDT 50-100/hour extra for 800,000 workers

Medical allowance: BDT 500-1,000/month provided to 85% workforce

Housing rent support: BDT 1,500 avg subsidy for 60% off-site workers

Inflation-adjusted real wage growth: 5% annually since 2019 hike, to BDT equiv $100/month

Grievance redressal: 95% wage disputes resolved within 30 days via DC committees

Piece-rate workers: 10% earn above minimum via 20% productivity bonus

Delayed salary payments: Down to 2% factories, fined BDT 5 lakh/case

Workers' participation committees: 3,500 active, negotiating 10% wage hikes locally

Overseas remittance from RMG wages: BDT 500 billion annually to rural areas

Living wage estimate: BDT 23,000/month vs current BDT 12,500 skilled avg, gap 46%

PF loan access: 200,000 workers availed BDT 50,000 avg for emergencies

Interpretation

Labor Rights/Wages Interpretation

Bangladesh's garment industry now treats its workers with a seriousness that finally matches the importance of their labor, showcasing improved wages and protections that are commendable, yet the stubborn 46% gap to a true living wage remains a stark reminder that dignity should not be a luxury item.

Reference

Cite This Report

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APA

Timothy Grant. (2026, February 13). Bangladesh Garment Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/bangladesh-garment-industry-statistics

MLA

Timothy Grant. "Bangladesh Garment Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/bangladesh-garment-industry-statistics.

Chicago

Timothy Grant. 2026. "Bangladesh Garment Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/bangladesh-garment-industry-statistics.

Sources & references

66 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level

mckinsey.com epb.gov.bd thefinancialexpress.com.bd

policy.trade.ec.europa.eu bbs.portal.gov.bd bidc.gov.bd

btmea.org

openknowledge.worldbank.org bbs.gov.bd bmet.gov.bd

lfbe.org international.gc.ca dfat.gov.au commerce.gov.in english.customs.gov.cn

icex.es douane.gouv.fr

cbs.nl customs.go.jp khidi.or.kr ticaret.gov.tr moec.gov.ae thedtic.gov.za

business-humanrights.org

theguardian.com ntpa.gov.bd

who.int

cleanclothes.org bscic.gov.bd

fsdmonthly.com srsc.org.bd mol.gov.bd pf.gov.bd

www潔clothes.org bb.org.bd

Bangladesh Garment Industry Statistics

Key Takeaways

Related reading

Economic Contribution30 stats

Economic Contribution Interpretation

Employment26 stats

Employment Interpretation

Exports25 stats

Exports Interpretation

More related reading

Factory Safety23 stats

Factory Safety Interpretation

Labor Rights/Wages23 stats

Labor Rights/Wages Interpretation

Cite This Report

Sources & references