BGMEA, BKMEA demand import ban on knit fabric withdrawn

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) have separately urged the government to suspend or withdraw a new restriction on knit fabric imports under the country’s Import Policy Order 2026–2029.

In letters to the Ministry of Commerce, the two trade bodies raised concerns over Sub-clause 12 of Clause 25 of the policy, which states that “knit fabrics shall not be eligible for import”.

They warned that the restriction could disrupt the normal operations of export-oriented readymade garment (RMG) factories and weaken their ability to meet international buyers’ requirements.

In a letter to the commerce minister on 1 September, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan said global buyers regularly demand new products, specific quality standards, customised designs and faster delivery.

Factories often need to source specialised fabrics from overseas suppliers to meet those requirements, he said.

Restricting such imports could disrupt factory operations because certain grades, colours, textures and designs demanded by international buyers are not always available in the local market, according to the BGMEA.

BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem also called for the provision to be suspended or withdrawn.

He said imported knit fabrics had already arrived at Chattogram Port, with some shipments kept in open storage, while many exporters had completed the required import formalities.

The new restriction could create serious complications in clearing those shipments and fulfilling scheduled export orders, Hatem said.

He added that the measure would further increase pressure on factories already facing production disruptions due to ongoing gas shortages.