Bangladesh’s apparel orders in jeapordy amid European protests

Bangladesh’s garment exporters fear prolonged protests in France, Italy and other European countries could weaken consumer spending and reduce orders from the EU, Bangladesh’s largest apparel market.

Protests over living costs, energy prices, housing and public services have affected France, Italy, Portugal, Belgium and Spain.

Nafis-Ud-Doula, director of Impress-Newtex Composite Textiles and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said: “Buyers might want to hold certain portion of work orders.”

Carrefour chief executive Alexandre Bompard said: “The unrest is hurting consumer confidence that was already weak because of high fuel prices.”

Eurostat data show EU apparel imports fell 3.83% year on year to €60.29 billion ($70.1bn) in January–August 2026, while Bangladeshi shipments declined 11.67% to €11.93 billion ($13.9bn).

Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, executive president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said a French buyer warned him to prepare for about 20% fewer orders in January 2027.