The suspension of container bookings to Moscow by shipping lines have left Bangladesh apparel exporters worried over shipments currently in the pre- or post-production processes. Bangladesh garment makers are skeptical about getting payments on completion of current orders as Black Sea waterways have been shut to Russian ships and the European Union also closed airspace to the country.

Russian banks also plan to cut-off from the main international payment system, SWIFT, making it difficult for the Bangladeshi exporters to get payments. Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has therefore urged exporters not to accept any new orders for the Russian market.

Shahidullah Azim, Vice Prresident says, the association is worried about getting payments for the goods already shipped to Russian buyers as Russian banks might be cut off from SWIFT. He advised members to observe the situation and not receive any new orders. The associaiton has planned to organize a roadshow this year to explore the current Russian market. Mohammad Hatem, Executive President, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) also advised members not to accept direct orders from Russian buyers.

Russia imports around 80 per cent of clothing from third countries. Bangladesh is an emerging market for apparel exporters, adds Azim. According to the Export Promotion Bureau, Bangladesh exported $665.32 million to Russia in the fiscal year 2020-2021, of which, $607 million came from apparel and textile exports.