Denim Fabric Imports in Bangladesh: India’s Struggle for Market Share

Bangladesh is the largest importer of Denim Fabrics (HS 520942+521142) in the World, with a share of 32% (Mil. US$ 1,380) of world’s Denim Fabric Imports (Mil US$ 4,351) in the year 2021. This is as per data available from website of www.oec.world

Denim Imports in Bangladesh – Top 3 Suppliers:

China, Pakistan & India are the top 3 suppliers of Denim Fabric to Bangladesh.

China continues to grow its dominance in the Denim Fabric Exports. Ten years back China’s Share in Bangladesh market was 26% which has grown to 48% in 2021.

Both Pakistan & India have lost their % share in Bangladesh’s Denim Fabric market.

Crosschecking from Indian export figures available on Commerce Ministry website, India’s Denim Fabric exports to Bangladesh when expressed as % Share in India’s Total Denim Fabric (520942+521142) has shrunk from its peak of 55% in 2017 to 39% in 2021.

It is ironical that India struggles to maintain its Denim market share in Bangladesh, even though it shares its land border.

One of the major reasons for losing Denim business in Bangladesh is the long transit time to deliver Indian Goods through the land border.

Several representations have been made to the Ministry of Commerce, GOI regarding the delay in customs clearing at the land border between India and Bangladesh.

We can only hope the Government of India will investigate this matter and set up processes to ensure efficient customs clearance at the Bangladesh Land Border.