Bangladesh has witnessed a positive trend in goods imports from January to April 24 this year compared to the same period last year, despite the government’s measures to control imports. The import of goods increased by 5.77% to 45.8 million tonnes, while the import cost rose by 6.23% to $24.03 billion. Imports of raw materials for the textile, steel, animal feed, consumer goods, wheat, coal, and plastic industries have increased significantly. However, imports of capital machinery remain low, indicating stagnant investment levels, which could hamper employment and economic growth.
Although the dollar crisis has eased slightly compared to last year, making it easier for businesses to open letters of credit, experts emphasize the need for greater flexibility in importing capital machinery. Mostafa Kamal, chairman of Meghna Group of Industries, stated that while import demand exists, the government should be more flexible in allowing capital machinery imports to boost employment and accelerate economic activities. The positive import trend follows two consecutive years of declining imports due to the Russia-Ukraine war and the dollar crisis in the country.
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