According to the latest balance of payments data released by Bangladesh Bank, the country's trade deficit expanded by over 18 percent year-on-year during the first half of fiscal year 2025-26 (July-December 2025), rising from $9.76 billion to $11.55 billion. Data shows that import bills increased by 5 percent year-on-year during the reporting period, reaching $33.67 billion. The rise in imports was partly attributed to pre-Ramadan stockpiling, while a sharp 78.6 percent surge in fertilizer imp

In early 2026, the global fashion industry is undergoing a systemic transformation driven by artificial intelligence. From precise insights into consumer trends and the generative iteration of creative design, to intelligent production scheduling and flexible manufacturing on the factory floor, AI is no longer confined to experimental applications in isolated links of the chain. Instead, it is permeating the entire apparel value chain with unprecedented depth and breadth. At the very front end

On February 9, 2026, the United States and Bangladesh formally signed theReciprocal Trade Agreement. Under the agreement, the overall tariff rate on Bangladeshi goods exported to the U.S. will be reduced from 20% to 19%. The most notable clause, however, stipulates that Bangladeshi textiles and apparel made from U.S.-grown cotton or man-made fibers will enjoy reciprocal zero-tariff access to the U.S. market. Sheikh Bashir Uddin, an adviser to Bangladesh's Ministry of Commerce, stated that this

Over the past week, ICE cotton futures experienced a "V-shaped" recovery, initially declining before rebounding. The front-month contract rolled smoothly from March to May. After digesting the bearish USDA Supply/Demand Report, the market staged a modest uptick driven by rising oil prices. From February 5-6, ICE cotton extended its weakness. On the 5th, the benchmark contract settled 0.77% lower at 63.50 cents/lb, with the March contract hitting an intraday low of 61.56 cents/lb—a new co

Erogim Investment Limited, headquartered in Aba, Abia State, has recently signaled a clear intent to actively pursue a production partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Government for large-scale localized manufacturing of footwear and apparel. The collaborative project is projected to achieve a production capacity of 1,500 pairs of shoes and 500 garments daily, and is expected to be integrated into the state government's livelihood-focused "ARISE Agenda" development framework. According to the

Recently, the U.S. textile industry has expressed strong appreciation for legislative progress aimed at strengthening the Berry Amendment and closing defense procurement loopholes. The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) confirmed that the U.S. House of Representatives and the House Armed Services Committee have passed key provisions within the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. These provisions are seen as a critical turning point to reverse years of fo

Recently, the government of Bangladesh, ready-made garment (RMG) exporters, and textile mill associations have engaged in intensive consultations regarding cash incentives for garments made with locally produced yarn. As of February 9, 2026, all parties reached preliminary consensus during an evaluation meeting of the Technical Committee under the Ministry of Finance, planning to increase the current incentive rate from 1.5% to a range of 3.5% to 5.0%. Bangladesh's textile industry is facing a

A recent joint study by the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and Intertek found that 41% of sampled counterfeit apparel, footwear, and accessories failed to meet U.S. and international safety standards—revealing serious health risks for consumers. The tests identified excessive levels of hazardous substances in many noncompliant products, including phthalates, PFAS, BPA, formaldehyde, and heavy metals. Some samples contained chemical concentrations well above legal lim

Moving further into 2026, the international textile sector has reached a decisive moment. Innovation and environmental responsibility, which were once secondary goals, have become the primary drivers transforming every stage of the industry, from manufacturing to global trade. For Bangladesh’s textile and ready-made garments export-heavy economy, this evolution presents a complex mix of demanding obstacles and high-potential prospects. One of the most transformative trends influencing the

In recent years, against the backdrop of continuous adjustments in the global textile industry landscape, cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan in the cotton and textile sectors has deepened. The establishment of a partnership between Pakistan Cotton House and relevant institutions in Uzbekistan aims to integrate both parties' cotton resources, production capacity, and market channels to jointly build a more efficient and stable global textile supply chain. Uzbekistan is a globally signi