Cement clinker imports rose by 5%

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

LafargeHolcim Bangladesh PLC will invest Tk 180 crore in a new industrial-use mill at its Surma plant in Sunamganj’s Chhatak to enhance energy efficiency and operational reliability. Despite a 14% year-on-year profit decline to Tk 139.1 crore in Q1 2025—driven by rising fuel costs and declining cement prices—the company’s revenue rose 3% to Tk 851.5 crore, reflecting stable market demand.

In Q3 of FY 2024–25, Crown Cement's profit surged 76% year-on-year to Tk 30.20 crore, driven by a 30% revenue growth to Tk 1,192.20 crore, attributed to a 30.14% increase in sales volume and a slight 0.46% price rise. Earnings per share rose to Tk 2.03 from Tk 1.15.

During a high-level meeting in Dhaka, Holcim Group reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the Bangladesh market. Martin Kriegner, Holcim’s regional head for Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, emphasized the company's continued investment and highlighted the use of non-recyclable plastics as fuel at its Chhatak plant, claiming zero environmental impact.

In FY24, Bangladesh’s steel industry faces significant challenges driven by declining demand, political uncertainty, and high operational costs. BSRM, with an annual production capacity of 24 lakh tonnes, and Abul Khair Steel, producing 30 lakh tonnes, both expanded based on prior economic momentum now lost.