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Major challenges ahead of Bangladesh’s LDC graduation: ICCB editorial

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Major challenges ahead of Bangladesh’s LDC graduation: ICCB editorial



Though Bangladesh has met all three essential United Nations criteria for graduation from the least developed country (LDC) status—gross national income (GNI) per capita, the human assets index and the economic vulnerability index, maintaining economic momentum and competitiveness after that needs significant internal restructuring, according to the International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh (ICCB).

Upon graduation, Bangladesh will gradually lose the duty-free and quota-free market access it currently enjoys in major destinations like the European Union, Canada and Australia.

Though Bangladesh has met all three essential UN criteria for graduation from the LDC status, maintaining economic momentum and competitiveness after that needs significant internal restructuring, the ICCB has said.
An editorial in its latest newsletter said unless productivity improves and the country diversifies into new markets and higher-value apparel categories, the RMG industry’s edge may weaken.

For the readymade garment (RMG) industry—which accounts for over 80 per cent of export earnings—tariffs of 10-12 per cent could sharply reduce competitiveness, an editorial in the July-September 2025 issue of ICCB News Bulletin said.

Unless productivity improves and the country diversifies into new markets and higher-value apparel categories, its edge may weaken, it noted.

“Graduation will end concessional loans and grants, forcing Bangladesh to rely on costly commercial borrowing. With over $100 billion in external debt, rising global interest rates could strain repayment capacity. Stronger debt management, higher reserves, and export diversification are crucial to maintain fiscal discipline and ensure long-term macroeconomic stability,” said the editorial.

Global trade trends compound this challenge. Rising protectionism, complex supply-chain standards and non-tariff barriers such as carbon border taxes and due-diligence laws threaten traditional export models. As the global apparel market increasingly prioritises sustainability, traceability and labour compliance, Bangladesh must reposition itself as a responsible and innovative manufacturing hub, suggests the editorial.

At the same time, weaknesses in education, healthcare, and social protection must be addressed to ensure inclusive growth. A post-LDC Bangladesh cannot afford to leave its human capital behind. Skill development, vocational training, and greater female participation in the workforce will determine how equitably prosperity is shared.

Graduation also presents an opportunity to diversify beyond garments into IT, pharmaceuticals, leather agro-processing, service sector and shipbuilding—sectors critical for long-term competitiveness, it observed.

The privileges of the past will fade and the discipline of the future will demand more reform, more innovation and greater resilience, the editorial added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)



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EU apparel imports slump 15.48% YoY in Jan; Bangladesh hardest hit

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EU apparel imports slump 15.48% YoY in Jan; Bangladesh hardest hit



The European Union’s (EU) apparel imports dropped by 15.48 per cent year on year (YoY) in January this year to €7.03 billion ($8.15 billion), according to data from Eurostat.

This was driven by an 8.36-per cent YoY decline in import volume and a 7.76-per cent YoY decrease in average unit prices.

The EU’s apparel imports fell by 15.48 per cent YoY in January to €7.03 billion, according to Eurostat.
Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the EU fell to €1.43 billion in January—a 25.25-per cent drop in value.
China remained the top exporter of apparel to the EU (€2.22 billion), but still saw a 6.9-per cent decline YoY in value.
India, Pakistan, Vietnam and Cambodia also remained in negative territory.

Bangladesh’s apparel exports to the bloc fell to €1.43 billion in January—a sharp 25.25-per cent drop in value. It saw a 17.49-per cent YoY decrease in the quantity of goods shipped, coupled with a 9.41 per cent drop in the unit price per kilogram.

China remained the top exporter of apparel to the EU (€2.22 billion), but still saw a 6.9-per cent decline YoY in value. Its unit prices dropped by 8.01 per cent YoY, while its export volume grew a bit by 1.21 per cent YoY.

Turkey faced a severe hit with a 29.12-per cent YoY decrease in apparel export value to the EU in the month, totaling €619.98 million.

Other countries like India, Pakistan, Vietnam and Cambodia remained in negative territory, reflecting a broad-based slowdown in the European fashion retail market.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)



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EU gains meet a harsh reality in India: War, rupee, energy shock

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EU gains meet a harsh reality in India: War, rupee, energy shock




India’s textile outlook is turning structurally complex.
The EU pact targets ~99.5 per cent trade coverage with phased duty relief, while rupee weakness supports exports.
However, crude volatility, >80 per cent import energy dependence, polyester cost inflation and US market softness (≈28 per cent share) are fragmenting performance, reinforcing a shift towards cotton-led, EU-focused exporters.



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Hainan free trade port crosses $11.6 bn trade in 100 days

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Hainan free trade port crosses .6 bn trade in 100 days



Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) has recorded strong early momentum following the launch of island-wide special customs operations, with total import and export value surpassing ¥80 billion (~$11.6 billion) in the first 100 days, marking a 32.9 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase.

Official data showed that 186 transactions were completed under the zero-tariff policy, covering goods worth nearly ¥1.7 billion (~$236 million), reflecting a 1.46-fold rise compared to the previous year. The policy also resulted in duty exemptions totalling ¥271 million (~$37.6 million).

The figures were released at a press conference held ahead of the 100-day milestone of the policy’s implementation.

Hainan Free Trade Port recorded trade exceeding ¥80 billion (~$11.6 billion) in its first 100 days of special customs operations, up 32.9 per cent YoY.
A total of 186 zero-tariff transactions were completed, covering goods worth ¥1.7 billion (~$236 million), while duties worth ¥271 million (~$37.6 million) were exempted, reflecting strong early momentum.

Launched on December 18, the island-wide special customs operations aim to facilitate smoother entry of overseas goods, expand the scope of zero-tariff items, and create a more business-friendly trade environment.

Positioned as the world’s largest free trade port by area, Hainan FTP is expected to play a strategic role in advancing China’s trade liberalisation and economic openness.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (JP)



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