Bangladesh Sees New Opportunities in Japan’s Apparel Market

Bangladesh is seeing renewed opportunities to expand its apparel exports to Japan. During the first three months of the 2026–27 fiscal year, the country exported garments worth approximately $343.65 million to the Japanese market. Japan’s share of Bangladesh’s total apparel exports rose to 3.25 percent, the highest level in four years.

According to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Bangladesh exported ready-made garments worth $10.58 billion during the first quarter of the current fiscal year. Of this amount, shipments to Japan accounted for $343.65 million.

Bangladesh exported garments worth $1.15 billion to Japan in the 2022–23 fiscal year. Export earnings fluctuated in subsequent years, falling to $1.13 billion in 2025–26. However, the latest figures indicate a renewed momentum at the beginning of the current fiscal year.

According to the International Trade Centre (ITC), Japan imports apparel worth an average of around $25 billion annually. Bangladesh still accounts for a relatively small share of this vast market. In July and August alone this year, Japan imported garments worth $4.05 billion from the global market.

Industry stakeholders believe that establishing a stronger presence in Japan could help Bangladesh diversify its ready-made garment export destinations. It could also reduce the country’s heavy dependence on traditional markets such as Europe and the United States.

They say Bangladesh has further opportunities to increase exports if local manufacturers can consistently meet Japanese buyers’ stringent quality standards and specific product requirements. Maintaining product quality, understanding consumer preferences and building long-term business relationships will be crucial to achieving sustainable growth in the market.

Japan’s vast apparel market and the recent increase in Bangladesh’s export share offer fresh opportunities for the country’s garment industry. Capitalising on this potential could boost export earnings and strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the global apparel trade.