Bangladesh's man-made fiber imports are increasing
Bangladesh's man-made fiber imports are increasingImports of man-made fibers by Bangladeshi apparel exporters are increasing, indicating increasing use of non-cotton in diverse apparel manufacturing to capture a larger share of the emerging global market for such new textiles.In exporters' bid to meet the rapid changes in demand for textiles across the globe, imports of quality non-cotton fibers have increased by more than 13 per cent in the last calendar year, industry sources said .In a sharp change, in the year 2021, the global apparel-market size was $440 billion, with MMF-based apparel market expanding by $222 billion or 51 percent and cotton-based by $190 billion or 42 percent, a research in taste change has shown .According to Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) data, Bangladesh imported 0.21 million tonnes of polyester and viscose fiber during the January-November period of 2023.Imports were 13.39 per cent higher than the 0.18 million tonnes purchased during the same period in 2022, the data showed.According to industry people, Bangladesh largely manufactures cotton-based apparel as 75 percent of readymade apparel sent for export is made of cotton.But, in recent times, the use of non-cotton or man-made fibers has been increasing, although the percentage has still not reached satisfactory levels, he said, and called for government policy support.Asked about the change, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) vice-president Fazli Ehsan Shamim said MMF imports have increased in recent times in a sign of the growing use of non-cotton fibres.“This means we are producing both new products and value-added goods,” he said, adding that global demand for such goods has been increasing in the last few years.However, Mr Shamim feels that they need 'supportive' policy measures, especially customs related measures, to encourage entrepreneurs to move to such non-cotton sectors and attract investments.Farooq Hasan, president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), recently said that they aim to reach exports worth US$100 billion by 2030.“Diversification of products, fibers and markets are our key priorities to achieve that level,” he said.In recent years, he said, they have made significant investments in high value-added segments such as active wear, outwear, denim, lingerie, suits, fancy dress and formal wear.BGMEA is also working to develop luxury attire for women using age-old heritage materials Jamdani and Muslin fabrics, while the trade body is also working towards efficiency enhancement in terms of new product development and innovation, efficiency and profession skill enhancement and creation of Also focusing on capacity development. Tech-savvy industry.The trade body of apparel manufacturers and exporters has on various occasions demanded 10 per cent cash incentive for MMF-based apparel manufacturing.An exporter said production of MMF commodities requires huge investment in backward linkages and few are willing to invest amid the absence of necessary infrastructure including adequate gas supply.Exporters believe that government policy support is necessary to attract investment in the production of man-made fiber based apparel – not only to increase value addition but also to meet post-graduation challenges and remain competitive.Sector leaders urged the government to provide requisite policy support including incentives for non-cotton or man-made fiber production and take effective measures to develop expertise and technology transfer in the sector.According to a research by Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID) in 2022, Bangladesh can earn US$95 billion by 2030 from ready-made garment (RMG) exports if the country expands its MMF-based production along with existing cotton-made garments. May increase apparel shipments. stuff.The expected volume of exports will require Bangladesh to achieve 12 per cent and 20 per cent share of the global MMF and cotton-based commodities market respectively.According to the research findings, the country's market share in global MMF-based and cotton-based apparel is less than 5.0 percent and 16 percent, respectively.Currently, almost half of the total global apparel exports are MMF products while 42 per cent are cotton based.In contrast, the majority or more than 72 percent of Bangladesh's apparel exports are cotton based, while only 24 percent is MMF.In a sharp change, in 2021, the global apparel-market size was $440 billion, of which the MMF-based apparel market was $222 billion or 51 percent, and the cotton-based apparel market was $190 billion or 42 percent, as shown Is.
