The Bangladeshi government finds itself caught in a high-stakes tug-of-war between two pillars of its economy: local spinning mills and ready-made garment (RMG) exporters. Tensions reached a boiling point after the Commerce Ministry recommended that the National Board of Revenue (NBR) scrap duty-free import facilities for specific yarn counts. While local spinners have hailed the move as a long-overdue lifeline, apparel exporters warn that the policy could cripple the country’s global competitiveness at a time of intense price pressure.
The Indonesian government’s plan to revive a State-Owned Enterprise (BUMN) in the textile sector has become a major focal point for industry players and economic observers. This strategic move, directed by President Prabowo Subianto, aims to strengthen the national industrial structure through a massive funding injection of $6 billion (approximately IDR 95 trillion) managed by the Danantara investment agency. The initiative comes as a direct response to the fragility of the domestic textile value chain, particularly in yarn production, weaving, and finishing processes that have long struggled against the tide of foreign products.
Vietnam’s textile and apparel industry is rapidly consolidating its status as a global titan, fueled by robust government backing and a strategic pivot toward high-value production. As one of the nation's most vital economic engines, the sector is no longer just a manufacturing hub; it is evolving into a sophisticated center for sustainability and technological excellence. This upward trajectory is backed by hard data: in the first five months of 2025, Vietnam’s textile and garment exports surged by 9%, reaching a staggering $17.58 billion.
The global garment industry is witnessing a dramatic strategic shift as 2026 begins. While Bangladesh maintains its title as the world’s second-largest apparel exporter by value—clocking in at $38.48 billion in 2024—a closer look at the data reveals an uncomfortable truth: Vietnam is winning the war for the future of fashion. While Dhaka celebrates high volumes, Hanoi is mastering high value, leaving Bangladesh at a dangerous crossroads as it prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
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