Pakistan vs China vs Bangladesh: Where Should You Manufacture Sportswear?
Updated 14 October 2026 · By Salman Munawar, Founder, Ravix Pro Industry
All three make huge volumes of clothing, but they suit different buyers. Here is how they compare.
Quick answer: Pakistan suits cotton apparel, team sportswear and low MOQs; China suits complex and high-volume orders; Bangladesh suits very large orders of basic garments.
All three countries make huge volumes of clothing, but they suit different buyers. The right choice depends on your product, order size and where you sell.
Sourcing from Pakistan? Ravix Pro Industry in Sialkot is a sportswear and clothing manufacturer trusted by sports clubs and clothing brands in the USA, UK, Europe, Canada, Australia and the UAE. One factory for custom, OEM and private label production, with in-house sublimation, printing and embroidery and an MOQ of 30 pieces per design. USA · UK · EU · Get a free quote.
Almost everything, technical synthetics, accessories
Basic knits and wovens, T-shirts, denim at scale
Typical MOQ
Low to medium; many Sialkot factories start small
Varies widely
Usually high; built for large retail orders
EU duty
GSP+ can remove duty on many clothing items
Standard EU duty applies
EBA scheme gives duty-free access
UK duty
DCTS Enhanced Preferences
Standard UK duty
DCTS Comprehensive Preferences
Best for
Small and growing sports and fight brands
Complex synthetics and mixed product ranges
Large retailers ordering basics in volume
Duty status changes over time. Always check the current rate for your product code.
When Pakistan is the best fit
You sell sports, combat or leather products, which are Sialkot’s specialities.
You need a low MOQ to start.
You sell into the EU or UK and want duty savings.
You want one factory for clothing and equipment such as gloves, pads and bags.
When another country may suit you better
You need tens of thousands of basic tees a month for a large retailer.
Your product relies on highly technical membranes or electronics.
Bottom line
For sportswear, fightwear and teamwear brands that are starting small or growing, Sialkot offers specialist skills, flexible MOQs and EU and UK duty advantages. Read more for EU buyers and UK buyers.
Production time depends more on the factory than the country, but distance matters for shipping. Air express from Pakistan to the USA, UK or Europe usually takes about 3–7 days; sea freight takes several weeks and suits large, heavy orders. China has the widest choice of sea and rail routes, and Bangladesh is usually chosen for large sea shipments of basics.
Compliance and Certifications
All three countries have factories with social and product certifications such as WRAP, BSCI and OEKO-TEX, and all three also have uncertified workshops. The country does not decide compliance; the factory does. Always ask for current certificate copies and check the names match the company you are paying.
Costs Beyond the Unit Price
Cost
What to check
Import duty
Pakistan (GSP+ in the EU, DCTS in the UK) and Bangladesh can bring duty to zero when origin rules are met; China usually pays standard duty
MOQ
A high MOQ ties up cash in stock you may not sell
Samples
Sample cost and how many rounds are included
Shipping terms
FOB, DAP or DDP, and who pays duty and clearance
Rejects and remakes
Who pays if goods fail inspection
Five Questions to Decide
What exactly am I making: basics, teamwear, fightwear or technical gear?
How many pieces per design can I afford to buy?
Where do I sell, and can I use duty-free schemes there?
How fast do I need the goods?
Can I visit or video-call the factory and check its certificates?
More Questions
Is Pakistan cheaper than China for sportswear?
Often yes for cotton apparel, teamwear and combat sports gear, especially when EU or UK duty savings are included. China can be cheaper for complex synthetic products at very high volume.
Which country has the lowest MOQ?
Many Sialkot factories in Pakistan accept small orders; Ravix Pro starts at 30 pieces per design. Bangladesh factories usually need much larger orders.
Can I use more than one country?
Yes. Many brands make basics in one country and specialist products such as teamwear or boxing gear in Sialkot.
Products Related to This Guide
We manufacture these in our own factory in Sialkot, Pakistan, with an MOQ of 30 pieces per design:
