Bangladesh Textile Journal

Bangladesh Textile Journal Bangladesh Textile Journal (BTJ) is the pioneer textile magazine from Bangladesh since 2007

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has requested Denmark’s support in securing access to...
29/07/2025

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has requested Denmark’s support in securing access to the EU’s GSP+ scheme post-Bangladesh’s LDC graduation. During a meeting with Danish Ambassador Christian Brix Møller in Dhaka, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan also urged Denmark to advocate for Bangladesh with EU policymakers and help mobilize global brands to adopt a Unified Code of Conduct for the apparel industry, aiming to streamline audits and enhance sustainability.

Khan raised concerns over declining garment exports to Denmark since FY2023-24 and emphasized the need for closer cooperation. Both parties discussed sustainability, circularity, and energy efficiency, including ongoing Danish-supported initiatives like CREATE, PaCT, and SWITCH2CE.

Ambassador Møller reaffirmed Denmark’s 0.7% GDP commitment to development aid and sought BGMEA’s cooperation in energy audits of garment factories, which are expected to inform energy-saving strategies, including rooftop solar viability.

Photo Courtesy by Daily Sun

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has requested Denmark's support in securing access to the EU's GSP+ scheme

Bangladeshi interim government is fast-tracking foreign direct investment (FDI) deals to bring international firms into ...
29/07/2025

Bangladeshi interim government is fast-tracking foreign direct investment (FDI) deals to bring international firms into the Chittagong port operations, aiming to finalize transparent agreements by October 2025.

This push comes amid a continued decline in FDI, with inflows falling by 13.2% in 2024 to $1.27 billion, according to UNCTAD and the World Investment Report 2025. The Chittagong seaport is currently seen as the most attractive FDI destination, drawing interest from global port operators such as DP World (UAE), PSA Singapore, and APM Terminals (Maersk).

Efforts are being coordinated by the Shipping Ministry, CPA, BIDA, and the Chief Adviser’s Office, with the goal of turning the port into a regional maritime hub within three years. To facilitate this, a new port tariff structure—approved by the Ministry of Finance—is awaiting legal vetting and gazette notification. Foreign investors will be allowed to set tariffs only for services where they make capital investments, preventing monopolistic pricing.

The government has committed to transparency in contracts, with the Shipping Adviser confirming all agreements will be public and free of ambiguity.

Bangladeshi interim government is fast-tracking foreign direct investment (FDI) deals to bring international firms into the Chittagong port operations,

The United States and the European Union have reached a landmark trade agreement, narrowly avoiding a transatlantic trad...
29/07/2025

The United States and the European Union have reached a landmark trade agreement, narrowly avoiding a transatlantic trade war just days before a scheduled escalation in tariffs. Following a private meeting at Turnberry, US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the deal on Sunday, which sets a 15% tariff on most European exports to the US.

“This is the biggest deal ever made,” Trump declared, calling the outcome “great for both parties.” Von der Leyen emphasized that the agreement would “bring stability and predictability” vital to transatlantic business.

The deal comes just days before the US was set to implement 30% tariffs on EU goods from August 1. It also reduces the existing tariff on European automobiles from a combined 27.5% to a unified 15% rate, offering major relief to the EU’s auto sector. While the majority of European exports will now face the 15% tariff, several key categories — such as aircraft components, semiconductor machinery, select chemicals, and certain agricultural products — will be fully exempt.

This sweeping accord follows a series of recent trade moves by the Trump administration, including preliminary agreements with Japan, the UK, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, and a temporary truce with China. The EU remains America’s largest trade partner, with nearly $2 trillion in bilateral goods and services exchanged in 2024.

The United States and the European Union have reached a landmark trade agreement, narrowly avoiding a transatlantic trade war just days before a scheduled

Bangladesh’s import Letter of Credit (LC) openings dropped to a five-year low in June 2025, reaching just $4.14 billion,...
28/07/2025

Bangladesh’s import Letter of Credit (LC) openings dropped to a five-year low in June 2025, reaching just $4.14 billion, the lowest since August 2020 — as private investment and consumption declined sharply.

According to Bangladesh Bank data, this figure is 24.42% lower than June 2024. LC settlements also saw a steep fall, hitting the lowest level since November 2020.

Economists and bankers see this as a troubling sign, pointing to reduced demand, low private investment, and weak implementation of public projects. Capital machinery and raw material imports — key indicators of investment — fell by over 25% year-on-year.

Despite a slight 0.18% annual rise in total imports, driven mainly by a few sectors, the broader trend reflects declining economic momentum. The fall in imports also led to dollar depreciation, prompting central bank intervention.

Bangladesh's import Letter of Credit (LC) openings dropped to a five-year low in June 2025, reaching just $4.14 billion, the lowest since August 2020 — as

28/07/2025

A growing Industrial sector is a prerequisite for growth, employment creation and improvement in people’s living standard. Ministry of Industries is

Chattogram Port has launched a digital payment system, enabling users to pay port-related bills online anytime, from any...
28/07/2025

Chattogram Port has launched a digital payment system, enabling users to pay port-related bills online anytime, from anywhere. This marks a significant move towards digital transformation and easing trade operations.

Developed in partnership with Eastern Bank PLC (EBL), the new platform aims to cut time, cost, and manual hassles for port users. The system was officially inaugurated by Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (retired) M Sakhawat Hussain, who praised the public-private partnership model behind the initiative.

Chattogram City Mayor Shahadat Hossain highlighted the launch as a step towards building a “Smart Chattogram,” while CPA Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman emphasized the need for digital adaptation to stay competitive in the global maritime sector. EBL Managing Director Ali Reza Iftekhar described the system as a secure, unified platform offering various payment options, including cards, EFTs, corporate channels like EBLConnect, and traditional over-the-counter services.

Chattogram Port has launched a digital payment system, enabling users to pay port-related bills online anytime, from anywhere. This marks a significant

Urgent blood appeal & support services activatedIn response to the devastating Uttara Milestone tragedy, an emergency ap...
24/07/2025

Urgent blood appeal & support services activated

In response to the devastating Uttara Milestone tragedy, an emergency appeal has been issued to support victims admitted to the Burn Unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. All blood groups are urgently needed, with a critical shortage of negative blood types.

- Blood Donation Location: Dhaka Medical Burn Unit
- 24/7 Blood & Medicine Support Helpline: 01755544243
- Emergency Transportation Helpline: 01709994523

“We are here to help,” declared organizers of the emergency initiative. “This is a time for unity, compassion, and rapid action. We urge citizens to come forward, donate blood, and share this message widely. Every drop can save a life.”

Continued commitment to national causes

This is not the first time the organizing entities have stepped up in a time of crisis. In the past, they have played a vital role in:

- Coordinating flood relief operations in northern Bangladesh
- Delivering medical supplies and clean water during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns
- Supporting Rana Plaza victims through donation drives and psychological counseling
- Organizing blood donation camps for thalassemia and cancer patients
- Distributing warm clothing and food relief during winter across low-income communities

Through ongoing CSR initiatives, the group has built a strong legacy of social responsibility and quick response in times of national distress.

For those looking to help, blood donors, volunteers, and logistics partners are requested to connect via the helplines. Together, we can bring hope and healing to the lives affected by this tragedy.

Urgent blood appeal & support services activated In response to the devastating Uttara Milestone tragedy, an emergency appeal has been issued to

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed expressed optimism that Bangladesh may secure lower US tariffs on its exports, desp...
24/07/2025

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed expressed optimism that Bangladesh may secure lower US tariffs on its exports, despite the looming enforcement of a 35% reciprocal tariff from 1st August. He stated that ongoing negotiations with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) could yield favorable outcomes and noted that Bangladesh is importing US wheat and other essential items to strengthen its trade ties and reduce its trade deficit, currently around $6.5–6.7 billion.

He dismissed the idea of hiring lobbyists or involving business people in direct talks, stating that such efforts would be ineffective at this critical stage. Instead, he emphasized government-to-government engagement.

The wheat import, despite being costlier, is seen as part of a strategic move to gain goodwill and diversify import sources due to uncertainties in traditional suppliers like Russia and Ukraine.

Meanwhile, a letter from US President Donald Trump to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus cited a longstanding trade imbalance and called for a more balanced, reciprocal relationship, justifying the 35% tariff, slightly reduced from an earlier proposed 37%, but still significantly higher than tariffs on competitors like Vietnam (20%).

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed expressed optimism that Bangladesh may secure lower US tariffs on its exports, despite the looming enforcement of a

With just a week remaining before the US enforces a 35% reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi exports, the United States Trad...
24/07/2025

With just a week remaining before the US enforces a 35% reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi exports, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has not yet confirmed dates for a third round of negotiations, despite Bangladesh’s request to meet on 26–27 July.

Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin said Bangladesh is ready to engage once a date is set. Concerns are growing within the commerce ministry over the lack of response from the US side.

To strengthen its negotiating position, the government has approved the import of 2.20 lakh tons of high-protein US wheat at $302.75 per ton, costing Tk 817.57 crore. Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed said the purchase aims to gain goodwill, diversify sources, and secure better-quality wheat.

He also confirmed Bangladesh plans to import more essential items from the US, without disclosing details. Salehuddin ruled out hiring lobbyists or involving businesspeople in direct negotiations, saying such actions would be ineffective at this late stage.

Bangladesh’s trade deficit with the US currently stands at $6.5–$6.7 billion, and officials remain hopeful that talks will be scheduled before the 1st August tariff enforcement date.

With just a week remaining before the US enforces a 35% reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi exports, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has not

The Philippines is prepared to reduce tariffs on selected US products as part of efforts to secure lower or zero recipro...
22/07/2025

The Philippines is prepared to reduce tariffs on selected US products as part of efforts to secure lower or zero reciprocal tariffs from the United States, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto announced recently. The move aims to enhance bilateral trade ties and pave the way for a potential free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.

“We’re open to reducing tariffs—not for all products, but for a carefully identified set,” Recto said during a press briefing, according to local media. While the tariff reductions may not significantly impact the domestic economy, they are being viewed as a strategic gesture to encourage more favorable treatment from Washington.

“The goal is to open doors,” Recto added, “and potentially unlock lower tariffs on Philippine exports, particularly in sectors like electronics, garments, and processed food.”

Push for FTA and market diversification

Finance secretary reiterated the Philippines’ broader ambition to sign FTAs not only with the US but also with Europe and other regions to diversify its export markets and attract more foreign investment.

“We want more trade,” he said. “We need to expand our markets, strengthen our manufacturing base, and boost exports. FTAs are crucial tools in achieving this.”

Recto also emphasized the urgency of deepening trade relations amid global economic uncertainties and shifting geopolitical dynamics. “With global supply chains being restructured, the Philippines must position itself as a key player in the Indo-Pacific region,” he noted.

US a key trading partner of the Philippines

According to official trade data, the United States remains the Philippines’ top export destination, accounting for 15.3% of total exports in May 2025. Key Philippine exports to the US include semiconductors, electronics, textiles, garments, and agricultural products.

Industry leaders have welcomed the government’s stance, noting that improved trade terms could help Philippine exporters stay competitive in the US market, particularly in light of increasing competition from regional peers like Vietnam and Thailand.

The Philippines is prepared to reduce tariffs on selected US products as part of efforts to secure lower or zero reciprocal tariffs from the United

Exporters voice concern amid tariff woes; BICDA cites inflation, operational cost hikes.Inland container depots (ICDs) a...
21/07/2025

Exporters voice concern amid tariff woes; BICDA cites inflation, operational cost hikes.

Inland container depots (ICDs) across Bangladesh will raise their charges for handling export containers by up to 60 percent starting September 1, sparking concern among exporters already burdened by the looming reciprocal tariff from the United States.

Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA) announced the decision through a circular on July 15th, citing escalating operational and investment costs, currency devaluation, and rising inflation as key factors behind the price hike.

“This charge hike was long overdue,” said Md Ruhul Amin Sikder, Secretary General of BICDA, in a statement to The Daily Star. “ICDs haven’t significantly raised their charges in over a decade, even as transport costs—like those on the Dhaka–Chattogram highway—have surged by over Tk 20,000.”

New Tariff Structure

Currently, 19 out of 21 privately operated ICDs in and around Chattogram handle around 93% of the country’s export containers. Among the revised charges, the stuffing package—which includes transporting an empty container to the container freight station (CFS), stuffing it with goods, returning it to the yard, and moving it to the port—will see a substantial increase:

20-foot container: From Tk 6,187 to Tk 9,900

40-foot container: From Tk 8,250 to Tk 13,200

In addition, the landing charge paid by freight forwarders will rise from Tk 207 per tonne to Tk 270, and the CFS storage charge will go up from Tk 29 to Tk 45.

According to BICDA data, ICDs handled 7.5 lakh TEUs of export containers in 2024—a 13.5% increase over the previous year. Notably, more than 80% of these were 40-foot containers. Based on these volumes, the increased charges could cost exporters an additional Tk 300 crore annually.

Industry Reactions

Exporters, already struggling with cost pressures and global trade uncertainties, are worried the increased charges will further erode competitiveness, especially amid trade tensions with key markets like the US. However, BICDA insists the adjustment is modest in the broader context of export logistics. “This hike is minimal compared to the overall export expenditure,” Sikder said. “It is necessary for the survival of ICDs.”

Exporters voice concern amid tariff woes; BICDA cites inflation, operational cost hikes. Inland container depots (ICDs) across Bangladesh will raise their

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