The nation exported garments worth $38.48 billion last year

As Bangladesh races against a July 9 deadline to secure a lower tariff regime with the United States, the stakes could not be higher.

Local apparel makers are seeing delays in the confirmation of work orders for the next summer season, as US retailers and brands wait for the final decision on reciprocal tariffs by the US administration, expected in early July.

With China, Vietnam and Cambodia vying for market share, Bangladeshi exporters fear a race to the bottom on prices -- one they may not win

Total garments exports in the last recorded fiscal year was about $36 billion

Buyers are already asking suppliers to execute orders as soon as possible because the time to transport goods has been extended by an additional 15 days following the outbreak of the Red Sea crisis in October.

Bangladesh’s garment export to the United Kingdom (UK) is expected to rise significantly as the British government will continue to offer duty-free benefits to developing nations even after they graduate from the least developed country (LDC) status.