Sweaters are the next big item in the apparel export basket | Rare Techy

Rising temperatures, changing orders from China, and changing fashions have all made Bangladesh a leading producer of sweaters in recent years.

In the past, western consumers used to wear sweaters only in winter but now they wear light sweaters all year round as a fashion item.

In addition, the temperature has risen in many cold countries due to climate change, reducing the demand for thick sweaters and encouraging the consumption of lightweight sweaters.

Officegoers also use it as casual dresses.

For example, consumers in the European Union and the United States prefer light sweaters to thick sweaters.

In another development, Chinese manufacturers are no longer interested in the production of sweaters due to the complexity in the production process, higher production costs, and a shortage of skilled labor.

The demand for sweaters is increasing worldwide due to changes in fashion trends as well. In fact, sweaters have turned into an all-weather fashion item.

Today, Bangladesh is a major supplier of lightweight sweaters and international retailers and brands are placing higher orders for the items.

Income from sweater shipments is growing from Bangladesh.

Exports of sweaters rose 39.25 percent year-on-year to $5.64 billion in the last financial year. That’s $4.05 billion in 2020-21, according to data from the Export Promotion Bureau compiled by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association.

The segment’s revenue represents 13.23 percent of the total garment export value of $42.61 billion in 2021-22.

In order to increase their share in the global sweater market worth more than $100 billion, local entrepreneurs have invested to expand their capacity.

A good number of manufacturers also make outerwear and jackets. And it is expected that the country can emerge as a major outerwear and jacket manufacturing hub in the future as well.