Apparel makers see bright prospect of RMG export to US
Friday, 7 November 2008
Jasim Uddin Haroon
Local apparel manufacturers see bright prospect of RMG products to American market after Barack Obama, a Democrat, won the US presidential election.
"We expect getting advantage for our garment sector to the US market during the Obama period as he has earlier committed to protect American industries through strict monitoring of Chinese export to US market," BGMEA President Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez told the FE.
China exports around US$ 27 billion worth of products a year to US out of the total $77 billion market. China is the largest exporter to the US market. The US government was supposed to lift export restriction from China that was imposed in January 2009.
Bangladesh might face a major threat if the US government withdraws restriction on the Chinese RMG products.
"If Obama sticks to his commitment and the restriction continues, we will have sunny days for our apparel products to the US market," BGMEA chief added.
Bangladesh, the fourth largest exporter, exports $ 3.1 billion accounting for around 28 per cent of its total garment export.
President of Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association Kayam Chowdhury said: "South and North Carolina, the major hub for US textile, has been facing trouble due to ongoing recession, bringing opportunity to boost our export to the US market."
About the exports from African nations to US market, he said African nations are yet to develop adequate infrastructure to cope with the increasing US clothing demand.
"They (African) are currently enjoying duty free access to the US market under AGOA, but they cannot produce quality as well as cheap products," he added.
BGMEA president said Democrats are conscious about labour rights and compliance issues adding: "We must take the issues seriously to make our sector sound."
Md Fazlul Hoque, president of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) told the FE that it is too early to comment on the Bangladesh's future export to US market after Obama won the US election.
"I will not comment right this moment, as time is not yet ripe to comment, but if Obama continues Chinese export restriction, then we will definitely be benefited," Fazlul added.
Fazlul said: "I know that Democrats especially Barack Obama has a soft corner for our region."
Bangladesh has been trying to get duty free market access to the US market as it is paying around 17 per cent duties to get access in the US market.
Currently, a bill seeking styled NPDA to get duty free market access is pending in the US Congress.
Turning to the issue, BGMEA president said: "passing of NPDA bill will be difficult, but the bill was placed by a democrat, so we are still hopeful on the issue."
"We are not afraid of duty free access as we are efficient and can combat challenges."
Local apparel manufacturers see bright prospect of RMG products to American market after Barack Obama, a Democrat, won the US presidential election.
"We expect getting advantage for our garment sector to the US market during the Obama period as he has earlier committed to protect American industries through strict monitoring of Chinese export to US market," BGMEA President Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez told the FE.
China exports around US$ 27 billion worth of products a year to US out of the total $77 billion market. China is the largest exporter to the US market. The US government was supposed to lift export restriction from China that was imposed in January 2009.
Bangladesh might face a major threat if the US government withdraws restriction on the Chinese RMG products.
"If Obama sticks to his commitment and the restriction continues, we will have sunny days for our apparel products to the US market," BGMEA chief added.
Bangladesh, the fourth largest exporter, exports $ 3.1 billion accounting for around 28 per cent of its total garment export.
President of Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association Kayam Chowdhury said: "South and North Carolina, the major hub for US textile, has been facing trouble due to ongoing recession, bringing opportunity to boost our export to the US market."
About the exports from African nations to US market, he said African nations are yet to develop adequate infrastructure to cope with the increasing US clothing demand.
"They (African) are currently enjoying duty free access to the US market under AGOA, but they cannot produce quality as well as cheap products," he added.
BGMEA president said Democrats are conscious about labour rights and compliance issues adding: "We must take the issues seriously to make our sector sound."
Md Fazlul Hoque, president of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) told the FE that it is too early to comment on the Bangladesh's future export to US market after Obama won the US election.
"I will not comment right this moment, as time is not yet ripe to comment, but if Obama continues Chinese export restriction, then we will definitely be benefited," Fazlul added.
Fazlul said: "I know that Democrats especially Barack Obama has a soft corner for our region."
Bangladesh has been trying to get duty free market access to the US market as it is paying around 17 per cent duties to get access in the US market.
Currently, a bill seeking styled NPDA to get duty free market access is pending in the US Congress.
Turning to the issue, BGMEA president said: "passing of NPDA bill will be difficult, but the bill was placed by a democrat, so we are still hopeful on the issue."
"We are not afraid of duty free access as we are efficient and can combat challenges."