Bangladeshi apparel exports to Japan have been increasing over the years, thanks to entrepreneurs' relentless efforts to meet buyers' quality requirements and policy support from the government. Another reason for the rise in exports is 'China-plus policy' and relaxation of rules of origin. Locally-made knitted items have been enjoying duty-free entry in Japanese market since April, 2015 and woven items since April 2011, even though raw materials are imported.

As per Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data, the country exported apparel items worth $787.13 million during July-May of fiscal year (FY) 2017-18, a 13.04 per cent growth over the corresponding period of previous fiscal. Apparel exports fetched $744.48 million in FY 2016-17, up from $572.27 million in FY 2013-14. RMG export was only $74.33 million in FY 2008-09. Overall exports reached a billion-dollar mark in FY 2015-16 for the first time and maintained the same trend during the last two fiscal years.