, March 23 -- The European Union's apparel import sector has started the year 2026 on a dull note, recording a double-digit decline in value as major global suppliers, including Bangladesh, face significant negative growth.

According to the latest data from Eurostat, the EU's total apparel imports fell by 15.48 percent in January 2026 compared to the same month last year, with total import values dropping to €7.03 billion. This downturn was driven by an 8.36 percent decline in import volume (million kg) and a 7.76 percent decrease in average unit prices.

Bangladesh, one of the EU's primary garment sources, experienced a particularly challenging month. The country's apparel exports to the EU fell to €1.43 billion in January 2...