Chattogram Sees Surge in Textile Exports Amid Global Demand Shifts
Chattogram, Bangladesh’s primary port city and commercial hub, is experiencing a notable uptick in textile exports as global buyers diversify sourcing away from traditional manufacturing centers. Industry officials reported Wednesday that shipments from Chattogram’s export processing zones rose by 12 percent in the first quarter of the fiscal year, driven by increased orders for ready-made garments and home textiles.
The surge is attributed to international retailers seeking alternative suppliers due to ongoing supply chain disruptions in other Asian markets. Bangladesh’s competitive labor costs and improved factory safety standards have made Chattogram an attractive destination. Local manufacturers have also invested in automation to meet tighter delivery deadlines, according to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association.
Despite the positive export data, port congestion remains a challenge. The Chattogram Port Authority has implemented extended working hours and digital cargo tracking to reduce clearance times. Officials say the average container dwell time has decreased from 14 days to 10 days over the past month, though further improvements are needed as export volumes continue to climb.
In related developments, the city’s readymade garment sector is preparing for a potential influx of orders ahead of the winter season. Factory owners are hiring additional workers, with some units operating double shifts. Labor leaders have called for better wage guarantees as production accelerates, citing rising living costs in Chattogram.
On the environmental front, the Chattogram City Corporation is stepping up monitoring of industrial waste discharge in the Karnaphuli River. A recent report by local environmental groups found elevated levels of pollutants near textile dyeing plants. The corporation has vowed to enforce existing regulations and impose fines on violators, while industry representatives argue that treatment facilities require government subsidies to operate effectively.
Meanwhile, infrastructure projects are underway to support long-term growth. The construction of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Tunnel under the Karnaphuli River is progressing, with completion expected next year. The tunnel will connect the port area to the city’s eastern districts, reducing travel time and easing traffic congestion that often delays cargo trucks.
Small business owners in Chattogram’s old city are also feeling the impact of the export boom. Local shops selling fabric, buttons, and packaging materials report increased sales as small-scale garment subcontractors ramp up production. However, some worry about rising rents and competition from larger suppliers.
Internationally, the shift toward Chattogram reflects broader trends in global apparel sourcing. Analysts note that while Bangladesh remains a top supplier for fast fashion, it is also gaining ground in higher-margin categories like technical textiles and denim. The country’s recent graduation from least developed country status may affect trade preferences, but Chattogram’s manufacturers are focusing on value-added products to stay competitive.
As the city balances growth with infrastructure and environmental pressures, local officials remain optimistic. The Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced plans to host an international trade fair next month, aiming to attract more foreign buyers and investment. For now, the port city’s factories are humming, signaling a busy season ahead for Bangladesh’s export engine.