The garment manufacturers, which employ millions of Bangladeshis directly and indirectly, export finished garments to regions including Europe, North America, Japan and Australia. According to industry players, air freight usually costs $8 to $10 per kg.
A large European buyer has asked an apparel maker to slash delivery prices by 5% because of delays, an email reviewed by Reuters showed. Another apparel owner who supplies to H&M said some of their shipments have been delayed.
The power cuts in the last two months, first due to the scorching heat and then the cyclone, have put more pressure on the apparel companies. Many factories are now running on expensive diesel-powered power generators.