By Xinhua
Dhaka : Bangladesh emerged as the largest supplier of denim clothes to Europe, commanding 27 percent market share during the first half of 2006, local newspaper The Financial Express reported Wednesday.
Among the new textile items, denim fabrics and jackets are gradually becoming the flagship products for the local exporters.
Industry insiders said during the last four years, production of denim has increased from 28 million metre per year to 200 million metre in 2006.
The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association claimed that availability of locally produced denim fabrics and enhanced ability to offer the same at most competitive prices have helped Bangladesh gain greater market access.
Restrictions on certain apparels of some Asian countries in the European Union (EU) market have also benefited Bangladesh’s denim sector. In terms of earnings, however, Bangladesh ranked third in the EU market because of the exporters’ concentration on low cost dresses.
Besides, Bangladesh is now the third largest cashmere sweater supplier to the EU, claiming slightly over 12 percent market share.