MCCI Estimates Rise in Imports and Remittances

Bangladesh is projected to remain the world’s top cotton importer in MY2025-26, with imports reaching 8.5 million bales, ahead of Vietnam’s 8 million, according to the USDA. This surge aligns with a 10.86% year-on-year rise in Bangladesh’s RMG exports to $30.25 billion in the first 10 months of FY25.

Bangladesh's imports from Pakistan rose nearly 10% in 2024, reaching 19.14 lakh tonnes, driven by direct shipping and relaxed customs rules. The launch of the Karachi–Chattogram direct route in November 2024 cut delivery time from 30 to 11 days, slashing costs by a third. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) also eased customs inspections

Bangladesh saw a 37% year-on-year surge in remittance inflows in April, with migrant workers sending $2.6 billion in the first 29 days, up from $1.9 billion during the same period last year, according to Bangladesh Bank data.

Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves have surpassed $22 billion for the first time in several months, driven by a notable rise in remittances and export earnings. According to IMF standards, the reserves reached $22.04 billion

From July to April 29 of FY 2024-25, Bangladesh received $24.39 billion in remittances—already surpassing the total $23.91 billion recorded in the entire FY 2023-24, reflecting a 2% year-on-year growth, according to Bangladesh Bank data.

Bangladesh's upcoming national budget for FY 2025-26 is likely to be Tk 7.92 trillion, slightly lower than the current year's Tk 7.97 trillion, marking the first time the country will frame a smaller budget year-on-year. This downsizing reflects poor revenue performance, foreign aid shortfalls, and sluggish budget implementation.