Dhaka, May 11 -- Market Shift Paradox

A gap left by the superpower: The ranking surge is primarily a byproduct of China's massive 53 percent export plunge, allowing Bangladesh to climb the ladder by simply outlasting a rival's exit.

US policy redraws map: Aggressive US trade levies have forced a global reshuffle, yet Bangladesh's own shipments have contracted by over 8 percent as Western buyers tighten their belts.

Economic pressures dampen growth: Rising fuel costs and persistent inflation continue to hit the sector, with industry leaders warning that the higher rank masks a worrying trend of falling revenue.

Bangladesh has overtaken China to become the second-largest apparel exporter to the United States, yet garment manufacturers s...