European Union apparel imports from around the world declined by 9.70% year-on-year to €41.10 billion during the first half of 2026 (January–June), according to Eurostat data compiled by Bangladesh Apparel Voice. The contraction was driven by a 6.40% drop in import volume combined with a 3.53% fall in average unit prices.

Bangladesh experienced a mixed performance over the period. In June 2026, Bangladeshi apparel exports to the EU showed slight recovery, growing 0.87% to €1.37 billion. This monthly uptick was supported by a 6.53% increase in shipment volume, which managed to offset a 5.31% decline in unit prices.

However, Bangladesh's overall performance for the first six months remained weak. Total exports to the bloc dropped 16.43% to €8.64 billion, impacted by both an 8.22% decline in volume and an 8.94% reduction in average prices.

Most major garment-exporting nations recorded losses in the EU market during the half-year period: Turkey: Down 14.60%,  Pakistan: Down 12.53%, India: Down 12.49%, Sri Lanka: Down 11.21%, China: Down 8.88% andCambodia: Down 8.84%

Vietnam stood out as the sole major supplier to achieve positive growth, posting a slight 0.36% increase. Although Vietnam's export volume fell by 11.52%, a market-leading 13.43% surge in average unit prices fully offset the volume decline. While Indonesia and Cambodia also raised their export prices, sharp drops in shipment volumes prevented overall revenue growth.