Bangladesh could soon replace China as the most important supplier of clothing in Germany. Goods worth 5.6 billion euros came from there in the summer quarter. Workers in the country are currently fighting for higher wages.
Bangladesh is on the verge of replacing China as the most important supplier for German clothing imports. From January to September, corresponding goods worth 5.6 billion euros were imported from there. This corresponds to 20.3 percent of total clothing imports, the Federal Statistical Office announced today.
According to statisticians, imports of clothing from Bangladesh have become increasingly important for the German market over the past 10 years. Bangladesh’s share of total German clothing imports was only 12.1 percent in 2013.
China’s share is shrinking
Today Bangladesh is only just behind China with a share of 21.2 percent (5.9 billion euros) – but well ahead of number three Turkey (11.8 percent or 3.3 billion euros). In total, clothing worth 27.8 billion euros was imported into Germany in the first nine months. That is 14.1 percent less than a year earlier.
The three countries accounted for more than half of clothing imports (53.3 percent). In 2013, the share of the three largest supplier countries was 53.2 percent. “Back then, China, Bangladesh and Turkey were the most important supplier countries of clothing to Germany,” said the statisticians. “However, since then, China’s share of clothing imports has decreased continuously.” Ten years ago it was 29.4 percent.
Partly violent protests in Bangladesh
Thousands of workers in the textile industry in Bangladesh are currently protesting for higher wages. On Saturday, 150 factories there were closed indefinitely. The country is one of the largest producers of textiles in the world; there are around 3,500 factories and workshops in the country. Four million people work in the industry. Textiles account for 85 percent of exports. Many western companies such as Gap, H&M and Aldi have clothing manufactured there.
Workers in the country’s numerous textile factories are demanding an increase in their minimum wage to the equivalent of at least 190 euros per month, which would be three times the current level. A commission appointed by the government announced last week a minimum wage increase of 56.25 percent to 104 euros from December.
Mainly re-exports from Germany
Clothing worth 18.6 billion euros was exported from Germany from January to September. That was 0.3 percent more than a year earlier. However, more than two thirds (67.5 percent) were not of German origin, but were so-called re-exports. They were produced in other countries and re-exported from Germany to foreign countries without any further treatment or processing.
“The clothing exported from Germany went primarily to our neighboring countries,” said the statisticians. Corresponding goods worth 2.5 billion euros were delivered to Poland in the first nine months, an increase of 8.5 percent. This corresponds to a share of 13.6 percent. Other important buyers were Switzerland with exports amounting to 2.5 billion euros (share: 13.3 percent) and Austria with 2.3 billion euros (12.5 percent).