Net foreign financing fell by 67% to Tk 5,540 crore in July-November FY25, a decline of Tk 11,086 crore from the same period in FY24, as loan repayments outpaced inflows. Bangladesh Bank cleared $3.3 billion (90%) of overdue foreign payments after the August 2024 political shift, while lenders tightened disbursements. The Taka’s 30% depreciation over two years increased repayment costs, further straining government finances. Government net borrowing from banks stood at Tk 14,642.54 crore in July-December, 14.8% of the revised Tk 99,000 crore FY25 target. Borrowing from National Savings Certificates dropped by Tk 15,588.6 crore in July-November FY25, compared to Tk 5,539 crore in FY24. Liquidity tightened due to rising NPLs, slow loan recovery, and deposit stagnation. Contractionary monetary policies worsened the situation, reducing private sector credit growth to 7.3% in December 2024. The financing shortfall threatens economic stability, investment, and growth prospects.

Hili Land Port reported a revenue shortfall of Tk 43.93 crore in July-December FY 2024-25, collecting Tk 318.76 crore against a Tk 362.69 crore target. While July and October exceeded targets, deficits in other months contributed to the decline. The NBR set an annual target of Tk 740 crore. Importers blame tariff removals on essential goods, stricter customs regulations, and currency fluctuations for reduced revenue. Truck-based tariff assessments discouraged fruit imports, while 100% customs inspections caused delays. Traders prefer Benapole port due to road issues, LC restrictions, and customs harassment. Coal and stone imports also declined due to higher storage costs at Hili. Officials attribute the shortfall to inflation-control policies, though high-duty items like cumin and raisins continue contributing. Authorities hope to meet the annual target if trade remains stable, but traders warn that policy and infrastructure issues are reducing the port’s competitiveness.

Over the past 16 years, Bangladesh’s trade relations with Pakistan were strained under the Awami League government, but a shift is occurring following a change in government. Trade with Pakistan has increased, while trade with India has slightly decreased. In FY 2022-23, Bangladesh imported 3.21 million metric tons of goods from India, valued at 116,633 crore taka, but in FY 2023-24, imports dropped to 2.71 million metric tons, with the value rising to 118,093 crore taka. Conversely, imports from Pakistan grew from 1.29 million metric tons in FY 2022-23 to 1.93 million metric tons in FY 2023-24, valued at 9,129 crore taka. Both imports and exports from Pakistan have risen, with exports to Pakistan in the first half of FY 2024-25 totaling 475 crore taka. Business leaders and economists emphasize maintaining good relations with neighboring countries and balancing imports from multiple sources to ensure reasonable prices for consumers.