Swedish retail giant H&M has reiterated that Bangladesh remains a "very important sourcing market" for the company, addressing recent media reports that suggested a potential reduction in procurement from the country. As the largest garment buyer in Bangladesh, H&M sources apparel worth approximately $5 billion annually from nearly 300 local factories. While H&M declined to share specific production volumes or market order shares, citing commercially sensitive information, the company emphasized that its long-term partnerships in Bangladesh, established since the early 1980s, remain a fundamental aspect of its global operations.
Although a national team from Bangladesh is not competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the country’s manufacturing prowess has reached the tournament's biggest stage. This milestone was achieved when the Cape Verde national team wore jerseys manufactured in Bangladesh during their World Cup debut match against Spain in Atlanta. The jerseys were produced by Garments Manufacturing and Assembling Ltd (GMA), a factory located in the Turag area of Dhaka.
The manufacturing sector in Sri Lanka recorded a significant surge in May 2026, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising sharply to 56.6 points from 42.6 points in April. This increase indicates a return to expansion in manufacturing activity, according to data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). This recovery provides a positive signal for the national economy amidst global uncertainties and the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The implementation of mandatory halal certification in Indonesia has moved beyond the food and beverage sector. Following the regulatory phasing set by the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Agency (BPJPH), textile and textile product (TPT) goods are now being targeted for inclusion in the halal ecosystem. While the goal is to solidify Indonesia’s position as a global center for the sharia economy, the national textile industry’s current readiness is hitting a wall of complex structural realities.
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