Dhaka, July 16 -- Bangladesh's apparel exports to the European Union (EU) slumped by 18.89 percent year-on-year to €7.28 billion ($8.33 billion) in the first five months of 2026 (January-May), marking the steepest decline among the region's major global suppliers.

According to Eurostat data analysed by Mohiuddin Rubel, founder and CEO of Bangladesh Apparel Voice, the country is facing a critical "dual weakness," losing ground on both shipment volume and unit price simultaneously.

During the period, Bangladesh's apparel export volume to the EU fell by 10.46 percent, while its unit price dropped by 9.41 percent. Both figures are roughly double the global average decline.

Overall EU Demand Shrinks

The downturn reflects a broader co...