Why Bangladesh's Garment Industry Is the Backbone of Fast Fashion

Bangladesh is the world's second-largest garment exporter ($40B+ annually), producing clothes for H&M, Zara, Gap, and most major fast fashion brands. 4M+ workers, mostly women, in 4,000+ factories. Low labor costs ($100-150/month wages) remain the primary advantage despite safety improvements post-Rana Plaza (2013). The industry faces pressure from: buyers demanding lower prices, competing countries (Vietnam, Ethiopia), and ESG requirements. The transition challenge: moving up the value chain from basic garments to higher-value products while maintaining cost advantage.