Most apparel sourcing in Asia comes down to four countries: China, Bangladesh, Vietnam and India. Each can make good clothing. The right choice depends on your product, your market’s duty rules and how much fabric flexibility you need. This comparison focuses on the facts that change landed cost and risk.
Scale
In 2022, China held 31.7% of world clothing exports, Bangladesh 7.9% and Vietnam 6.1%, according to WTO data analysed by Dr Sheng Lu of the University of Delaware. Bangladesh’s own export figures show garment exports of US$39.35 billion in FY2024–25.
Duty into the European Union
| Country | EU duty on garments in 2026 | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 0% under Everything But Arms | LDC graduation on 24 November 2026; EBA continues to November 2029, then standard rates of 9–12% unless a new preference is agreed |
| Vietnam | 0% on most garments under the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement | Fabric-forward origin rules: garments generally need fabric made in Vietnam, the EU or an eligible partner |
| India | Standard rates, around 12% on clothing | The EU–India trade agreement concluded in January 2026 would remove duties on clothing once in force, expected in 2027 |
| China | Standard rates of 9–12% | No trade preference |
For the UK and US, see our guides for UK and US brands. US tariffs in particular have changed several times since 2025, so compare current rates for your HTS codes.
When Bangladesh is a strong fit
- Cotton knitwear and basics: t-shirts, polos, fleece, sweatshirts and babywear.
- Denim and sweaters, with large specialist factories and wash plants.
- EU and UK buyers who benefit from duty-free access, in the EU at least until 2029.
- Buyers who value green building standards: Bangladesh has the most LEED-certified garment factories of any country.
When to consider another country
- Technical outerwear or performance fabrics that depend on synthetic fabric supply close to the factory.
- Very short lead times for a market far from South Asia.
- Product categories where your existing suppliers and fabric mills are already elsewhere.
How to compare fairly
Compare the same specification, and compare landed cost rather than factory price: fabric, making, testing, freight, duty and the cost of delays or rejected goods. Many brands split production, keeping cotton basics in Bangladesh and sourcing technical items elsewhere. If you want a Bangladesh price to compare, send us your tech pack.
Sources
Checked . Rules and figures change, so confirm anything that affects your pricing.
- Sheng Lu, University of Delaware — WTO reports world textiles and clothing trade in 2022 (opens in a new tab)
- Textile Focus — RMG exports FY2024–25 (EPB data) (opens in a new tab)
- The Daily Star — EU’s GSP+: the lifeline Bangladesh must win before 2029 (opens in a new tab)
- Sheng Lu — EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and outlook of Vietnam’s apparel export (opens in a new tab)
- All India Radio News — Bangladesh garment exporters face tougher competition in EU after India–EU FTA (30 January 2026) (opens in a new tab)
- CNBC — India–EU trade deal: what it does to tariffs (27 January 2026) (opens in a new tab)
- New Age — Total number of LEED-certified RMG factories now 284 (May 2026) (opens in a new tab)