UPDATE 2-Bangladesh exports hit record on apparel sales

* Exports targets for 2011-12 at $26 bln, up 15 pct

* Exports up 41 pct in 2010-11, $4.4 bln above targets

* Slowdown in key western markets could hurt exports (Add targets)

DHAKA, July 12 (Reuters) - Strong apparel sales to China helped boost Bangladesh's exports to a record $22.92 billion in the fiscal year ended June 30 but the garment industry is expecting a slowdown in the current quarter.

Clothes exports climbed 43 percent to more than $17.9 billion, Export Promotion Bureau data showed on Tuesday.

Bangladesh's low labour costs have helped it join the global supply chain for low-end textiles and clothing.

Officials have said the record exports reflected the decision by some retail chains such as European-focused Esprit Holdings to shift production to Bangladesh from China, where labour costs are rising.

This helped boost exports as the garments were then exported back to China.

Bangladesh's total exports surged 41.5 percent during July-June, exceeding the target of $18.5 billion. The June total, $2.38 billion, was the highest ever monthly export figure.