Author: Bihar Say | Amrita | Bharat: The New Global Hub for Affordable Manufacturing Amidst Bangladesh’s Garment Crisis The global textile industry is witnessing a major shift. With
The global textile industry is witnessing a major shift. With Bangladesh’s garment sector crumbling under political instability and economic downturn, international brands are looking for alternative manufacturing hubs. Bharat, with its vast labor force, competitive costs, and improving infrastructure, stands ready to fill this vacuum.
Bangladesh has long been a powerhouse in global garment manufacturing, accounting for 84% of its foreign exchange earnings. However, recent political unrest and economic instability have led to a massive downturn. In the past seven months alone, 140 garment factories have shut down, leaving over 100,000 workers unemployed. The hardest-hit areas include Gazipur, Savar, and Narayanganj, where more than 100 factories have permanently closed, while another 40 remain temporarily shut.
Adding to the crisis, garment workers have been protesting unpaid wages ranging from 2 to 14 months. As Eid approaches, fears of further factory closures loom large. Meanwhile, major international orders—approximately 20%—have already shifted away from Bangladesh, favoring India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Pakistan.
With major brands diversifying their sourcing, Bharat has emerged as a lucrative alternative for textile and garment production. Here’s why:
Bharat offers a vast pool of skilled and semi-skilled labor at competitive wages. States like Bihar, known for its hardworking workforce, are attracting investors looking for cost-effective yet quality manufacturing.
Unlike Bangladesh, which is grappling with political chaos, Bharat provides a more stable environment for industries. Government initiatives like Make in India and PLI (Production Linked Incentive) schemes are further fueling manufacturing growth.
With better logistics, improved ports, and a growing network of industrial corridors, Bharat is becoming a preferred choice for global supply chains. Bihar, in particular, is positioning itself as a rising hub, offering affordable land and government support for industries.
While major Indian cities are seeing a surge in manufacturing investments, Bihar remains an underutilized powerhouse. With a young workforce, government-backed industrial parks, and access to raw materials, Bihar can emerge as a top destination for garment manufacturers seeking cost efficiency without compromising quality.
Several international brands have started moving their production units from Bangladesh to India. With Bharat’s manufacturing sector scaling up, it’s only a matter of time before it dominates the textile industry.
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