U.S. apparel imports declined sharply during the first four months of 2026, reflecting continued uncertainty in global consumer demand and shifting sourcing strategies among major apparel-exporting nations. While Bangladesh retained its position as one of the United States’ largest apparel suppliers, the country experienced a notable contraction in export earnings and shipment volumes, according to the latest data released by the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA).
U.S. apparel imports reached US$23.08 billion during January–April 2026, representing a 12.00% decline from US$26.22 billion recorded during the corresponding period of 2025.
The decline was equally evident in terms of import volume. Measured in Square Meter Equivalent (SME), U.S. apparel imports dropped by 12.92% year-on-year, falling to 7.32 billion SME from 8.41 billion SME in the previous year. Despite weaker volumes, the average global unit price edged up by 1.06%, increasing from US$3.12 per SME to US$3.15 per SME.
U.S. Apparel Import Performance (Values in Million US$)
| Country | Apr-25 | Apr-26 | Growth | Jan-Apr, 2025 | Jan-Apr, 2026 | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| World | 6165.46 | 5428.42 | -11.95% | 26223.77 | 23077.49 | -12.00% |
| Vietnam | 1212.43 | 1186.86 | -2.11% | 5089.41 | 5155.87 | 1.31% |
| Bangladesh | 757.37 | 627.00 | -17.21% | 2981.45 | 2646.24 | -11.24% |
| China | 762.00 | 484.01 | -36.48% | 4368.04 | 2174.87 | -50.21% |
| Indonesia | 374.36 | 417.78 | 11.60% | 1601.29 | 1637.69 | 2.27% |
| India | 492.24 | 342.64 | -30.39% | 1999.57 | 1438.99 | -28.03% |
| Cambodia | 303.54 | 316.84 | 4.38% | 1231.04 | 1404.19 | 14.07% |
| Mexico | 209.11 | 185.06 | -11.50% | 845.80 | 777.25 | -8.11% |
| Pakistan | 200.97 | 141.77 | -29.46% | 749.66 | 658.37 | -12.18% |
| Honduras | 162.63 | 144.16 | -11.36% | 643.18 | 560.06 | -12.92% |
Unit Price (USD Value/SME) in US$
| Country | Apr-25 | Apr-26 | Growth | Jan-Apr, 2025 | Jan-Apr, 2026 | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| World | 3.14 | 3.20 | 2.13% | 3.12 | 3.15 | 1.06% |
| Vietnam | 3.38 | 3.41 | 0.88% | 3.43 | 3.38 | -1.35% |
| Bangladesh | 3.10 | 3.07 | -0.81% | 3.05 | 2.97 | -2.45% |
| China | 1.58 | 1.41 | -11.28% | 1.78 | 1.43 | -19.69% |
| Indonesia | 4.05 | 3.88 | -4.01% | 4.07 | 3.81 | -6.54% |
| India | 3.68 | 3.42 | -6.88% | 3.62 | 3.41 | -5.94% |
| Cambodia | 3.16 | 2.81 | -11.14% | 3.04 | 2.94 | -3.14% |
| Mexico | 3.72 | 4.48 | 20.42% | 4.23 | 4.43 | 4.59% |
| Pakistan | 2.64 | 2.48 | -6.10% | 2.74 | 2.62 | -4.68% |
| Honduras | 3.44 | 3.82 | 10.85% | 3.38 | 3.62 | 7.08% |
Volume in Million SME
| Country | Apr-25 | Apr-26 | Growth | Jan-Apr, 2025 | Jan-Apr, 2026 | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| World | 1965.15 | 1694.14 | -13.79% | 8406.89 | 7320.78 | -12.92% |
| Vietnam | 358.69 | 348.07 | -2.96% | 1484.12 | 1524.07 | 2.69% |
| Bangladesh | 244.40 | 203.98 | -16.54% | 978.32 | 890.17 | -9.01% |
| China | 480.91 | 344.30 | -28.41% | 2474.34 | 1572.26 | -38.00% |
| Indonesia | 92.51 | 107.55 | 16.26% | 393.15 | 430.25 | 9.44% |
| India | 133.93 | 100.11 | -25.25% | 551.67 | 422.11 | -23.49% |
| Cambodia | 96.04 | 112.82 | 17.47% | 405.08 | 477.06 | 17.77% |
| Mexico | 56.17 | 41.29 | -26.50% | 199.81 | 175.56 | -12.14% |
| Pakistan | 76.15 | 57.21 | -24.87% | 273.11 | 251.63 | -7.86% |
| Honduras | 47.25 | 37.78 | -20.03% | 190.24 | 154.70 | -18.68% |
Source: OTEXA
Compiled by: Mohiuddin Rubel, Former Director, BGMEA; Additional Managing Director, Denim Expert Ltd.
Also Read: Bangladesh Garment Exports Fall 3.4% in FY26 Despite Strong Start
For Bangladesh, the data presents a mixed picture.
The United States imported US$2.65 billion worth of apparel from Bangladesh during January–April 2026, down 11.24% from US$2.98 billion during the same period a year earlier. The decline became even more pronounced in April alone, with Bangladesh’s exports to the U.S. market falling 17.21% year-on-year to US$627 million.
In volume terms, Bangladesh shipped 890.17 million SME during the first four months of the year, compared with 978.32 million SME in the corresponding period of 2025, representing a 9.01% decrease.
Bangladesh also witnessed a reduction in average export prices. The country’s unit value fell from US$3.05 per SME during January–April 2025 to US$2.97 per SME in the same period of 2026, marking a 2.45% decline. The figures suggest that Bangladeshi exporters not only sold fewer garments but also faced increasing pricing pressure in the U.S. market.
Vietnam emerged as one of the few major sourcing destinations to register positive growth. U.S. imports from Vietnam increased 1.31% to US$5.16 billion, reinforcing the country’s position as the largest apparel supplier to the United States. Vietnamese shipment volumes also rose 2.69%, despite a slight 1.35% decline in average unit prices.
China, once the dominant player in the U.S. apparel market, experienced the sharpest decline among major exporters. Imports from China fell 50.21% to US$2.17 billion during January–April 2026. Chinese shipment volumes plunged 38.00%, while unit prices declined by 19.69%, underscoring the significant restructuring of sourcing patterns away from China.
India also faced headwinds. U.S. apparel imports from India dropped 28.03% in value terms to US$1.44 billion, while shipment volumes fell 23.49%. India’s average unit price declined 5.94% over the same period.
In contrast, several emerging sourcing destinations strengthened their market positions. Cambodia posted the strongest growth among major exporters, with apparel shipments to the United States increasing 14.07% to US$1.40 billion. Import volumes from Cambodia rose 17.77%, although average unit prices fell 3.14%.
Indonesia also registered gains. U.S. imports from the country increased 2.27% to US$1.64 billion, supported by a 9.44% increase in shipment volumes. However, Indonesia’s unit prices declined 6.54%, indicating intensified competition among suppliers.
Pakistan recorded a 12.18% decline in export value to the U.S. market, reaching US$658 million, while shipment volumes contracted 7.86%. The country’s unit prices decreased 4.68%.
Industry observers suggest that the latest OTEXA figures reflect a combination of subdued consumer spending, inventory adjustments by retailers and ongoing shifts in sourcing strategies as brands seek to diversify supply chains.
For Bangladesh, the data underscores the importance of strengthening competitiveness through productivity improvements, product diversification and enhanced value addition. Although the country remains a critical sourcing destination for the U.S. market, rising competition from regional peers and evolving buyer expectations are placing additional pressure on exporters.
As global apparel trade continues to rebalance, Bangladesh’s ability to adapt to changing market dynamics will be crucial in sustaining its position in one of its most important export destinations.
U.S. apparel market in early 2026 was characterised by weaker overall demand but also by significant shifts in sourcing patterns—developments that could reshape the competitive landscape for global apparel exporters in the months ahead.
