Jaipur: The recent political turmoil in Bangladesh, marked by Sheikh Hasina’s departure as prime minister, has had a profound impact on the garment sector. In response, garment exporters in Rajasthan are projecting a 20% rise in orders for ready-made garments for Christmas.
Amid Bangladesh’s volatile situation, foreign buyers of clothing have begun reaching out to Indian exporters, offering a promising opportunity for garment exporters in the desert state to significantly expand their business.
Bangladesh exports readymade garments worth around $3.5-3.8 billion every month, compared to about $1.3-1.5 billion worth exported from India.
Rajasthan exporters said their Bangladesh counterparts are having trouble finishing their Christmas orders from the US and European countries.
More than 5,000 factories in Dhaka and surrounding areas manufacture garments, which include shirts, T-shirts, trousers, and skirts.
If the instability in Bangladesh continues, there is a high likelihood that 10-20 per cent of the orders may shift to Rajasthan during Christmas. This potential shift underscores the strategic advantage for Indian exporters in the current market conditions.
“When I went to Japan recently, I was told that if the situation in Bangladesh does not improve, we will look for other options. This is how things work. So, there can be a big chance for us. When a foreign buyer comes to India, we will also get an opportunity,” said Mahaveer Taylor, a dealer in readymade garments.
Multinational corporations such as Puma, Gap, and others order readymade garments from Bangladesh. Still, because of that country’s political unrest, there is now a greater chance that India’s garment sector will do well this season, according to other industry players.
In such a scenario, customers from Western countries may look to India if the situation in Bangladesh does not quickly improve.
–IANS
