The outlook for Bangladesh’s apparel sector in the global market remains positive, with work orders expected to rise, sustaining growth momentum into 2025. Industry insiders have indicated that buyer confidence is recovering, leading to an expansion of sourcing activities in Bangladesh, which will help maintain this upward trend.
Official data shows that the European Union's apparel imports between January and December 2024 experienced a modest 1.53% increase in value, reaching $92.56 billion. However, a substantial 8.98% rise in import volume was accompanied by a 6.83% decline in average unit prices, exerting downward pressure on major sourcing countries, including Bangladesh.Price deflation pressures Bangladesh’s RMG industry
BB cuts daily CRR, month-end ratio unchanged
The central bank has decided to ease the daily cash reserve ratio (CRR) requirement for commercial banks, providing them with some relief amid ongoing liquidity constraints, according to officials.
No more ‘Sycophancy’ for foreign loans, says BB Governor
Bangladesh’s balance of payments (BoP) has significantly improved, with a robust foreign savings position, eliminating the necessity of seeking foreign loans through “sycophancy,” Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur stated today (4 March 2025).
"We will not compromise. Our external financial position is now very strong," he asserted during a roundtable titled Path to Recovery for the Banking Sector, organised by The Business Standard at its office in the capital.
Ramadan trade disrupted as importers delay cargo clearance
Amid the holy month of Ramadan, allegations have emerged against certain traders for stockpiling imported goods at Chittagong Port, allegedly to create an artificial crisis and drive up market prices.
According to port officials, some importers are deliberately delaying the release of their goods, effectively using the port’s yards as storage facilities. This has resulted in an artificial shortage, with approximately 40,000 Full Container Load (FCL) containers currently occupying space in the port yard and off-docks.
Global debt to IMF drops
As of 25 February 2025, the total global outstanding debt owed to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) stood at $144.9 billion, or 110.3 billion Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), reflecting a slight decline from the 112.8 billion SDRs recorded at the end of February 2024.
This dollar valuation was derived using IMF data on the SDR’s value as of 25 February 2025, which stood at $1.314, down from $1.328 a year earlier. The SDR serves as the IMF’s unit of account to determine the value of f...
BIDA streamlines customs with AEO status for 10 cos
The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) on Sunday granted Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status to ten business entities, aiming to facilitate trade by streamlining customs procedures.
Similar to the "Green Channel" system at airports, AEO status enables companies to bypass certain customs checks, expediting the clearance of goods at ports. This is expected to reduce production and export lead times while alleviating congestion at ports.
