Pressure From The United States: Bangladesh Garment Association Requires Members To Purchase Raw Materials Carefully In Xinjiang

 

According to foreign reports, Bangladesh's clothing exports to the United States may be hit by restrictions imposed by the United States on relevant commodities from Xinjiang, China. This follows a directive issued by the Bangladesh garment buyers Association (bgba), which requires its members to be cautious about purchasing raw materials from Xinjiang.

According to a statement by bgba, the regional assessment delegation of India Pacific opportunity project funded by USAID informed bgba that no garment produced in Bangladesh could enter the United States if it was made from Xinjiang cotton imported fabrics. If any related products are found, they will be confiscated. If confiscated, the exporter will not receive their payment.

It is reported that the delegation also held a meeting with the Textile Mills Association of Bangladesh (BTMA). The Bangladesh knitwear manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) said manufacturers were closely monitoring the issue and many of them had found alternatives to imported yarns and fabrics. Domestic knitwear manufacturers can purchase yarns and fabrics from the local market, while woven manufacturers that import most of their fabric needs may face some challenges. However, Bangladesh mills mainly import raw cotton from African countries, India and the United States, so there will be no challenge.

In 2021, the yarn import volume of Bangladesh is US $2.1 billion, with a year-on-year increase of 150%. Among them, 84% are from India, 8% are from China, Indonesia and Turkey account for 4% and 3% respectively. The import of grey fabric was US $1.8 billion, down 30.7% year-on-year, due to the significant increase in yarn imports.