Production of diversified fabrics and growing consumption amongst middle-income group has caused Bangladesh’s annual textile sales to nearly double to $9 billion within a span of five years. As per a Daily Star report, a cut in dependence on fabric imports, new machines and expansion of middle-income group consumers have pushed growth of Bangladesh’s local textile and fabrics market. Women customers consume 40 mt. fabrics a year while males consume 35 mt. says Mohammad Ali Khokon, President, Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA)

Currently, 300 spinning mills, more than 10,000 small, medium and large weaving units and 1,200 dyeing mills produce textile and fabrics to meet the local demand, adds Monsoor Ahmed, CEO, BTMA. Fabarics worth over $2 billion are sold during Eid-ul-Fitr, the main sales season for local businesses. However, 60 per cent branded clothes for women are imported either through formal or informal channels as demand grow many fold during the season, adds Ahmed. Khorshed Alam, Managing Director, Little Group, informs, spinners and weavers are producing more polyester fabrics as China has cut back the production of the item because of the higher cost of production.