United News of Bangladesh

The European Union Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham Bangladesh) on Saturday reiterated grave concern over ongoing disruptions at Chattogram Port, which are inflicting mounting economic losses, jeopardising export performance and undermining confidence in Bangladesh’s supply chain reliability. EuroCham Bangladesh stressed that predictable, uninterrupted and efficient port operations are essential for safeguarding export performance, protecting millions of jobs indirectly supported by overseas demand, and maintaining Bangladesh’s reputation as a reliable sourcing destination for European and global markets. EU apparel imports from Bangladesh recently exceeded US$9.6bn. EuroCham Bangladesh urged all relevant stakeholders to take immediate steps to ensure the full resumption of normal port operations. EuroCham Bangladesh urged resolve ongoing disputes through constructive dialogue in a manner that safeguards national economic interests and advance port modernisation initiatives that enhance efficiency, reliability and long-term competitiveness as well as predictability. EuroCham Bangladesh said it remains committed to supporting business growth thus strengthening Bangladesh’s trade infrastructure and stands ready to engage constructively with authorities and stakeholders to help ensure a stable, efficient and future-ready port system. Chattogram Port handles more than 90 per cent of Bangladesh’s international trade and is the primary gateway for the country’s export-oriented industries. Bangladesh export sector faces global economic headwinds, domestic challenges: Experts Under normal conditions, the port moves around 2,000-2,500 export containers daily. Over recent days, however, work stoppages have brought operations almost entirely to a standstill, leaving export goods and container movements in limbo. EuroCham members and European brands sourcing from Bangladesh are reporting growing concern. With export schedules collapsing, delivery windows are being missed and additional logistics costs are accruing. In monetary terms, export goods valued at an estimated US$660m (around Tk 80 billion) are currently stuck in around 13,000 containers at port facilities, private depots and ships unable to berth or depart. Approximately 13,000 export containers carrying US$660m in goods are currently stuck due to work stoppages. In 2024–25 the port handled more than 831,000 export container units valued at US$42.3bn. Textiles and RMG account for around 80 per cent of Bangladesh’s exports, making the country the world’s second-largest garment exporter.

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) on Thursday urged the government to take immediate steps to restore normal operations at Chattogram Port, warning that the prolonged shutdown is severely disrupting trade and could have far-reaching consequences for the national economy. Describing Chattogram Port as the lifeline of Bangladesh’s trade, the chamber said nearly 92 percent of the country’s import-export activities are handled through the port, with an average clearance of around 260,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) per month, or about 9,000 TEUs daily. However, port operations have remained completely halted since February 4, 2026, leaving around 54,000 containers stranded so far, the DCCI said in a media release. Due to delays in cargo clearance, businesses are incurring additional costs ranging from Tk 10,000 to Tk 15,000 per day, it said, adding that the situation is having a particularly severe impact on the export sector. The chamber warned that if the deadlock continues, it could adversely affect the national economy, as exporters face the risk of order cancellations or diversion of purchase orders to competing countries. While some international buyers have temporarily agreed to extend shipment deadlines, they may seek alternative sourcing destinations if the crisis persists, the release said. With Ramadan just days away, the DCCI also expressed concern that prolonged delays in clearing imported goods could trigger price hikes in the local market, negatively affecting consumers across all income groups. The chamber further said the unexpected disruption in cargo handling is likely to push up operational costs across trade and investment activities, placing additional pressure on both businesses and consumers. Calling for urgent government intervention, the DCCI urged authorities to resolve the issue quickly through discussions with all stakeholders involved in Chattogram Port operations. Emphasising the port’s critical role as the main driving force of the country’s economy, the chamber stressed the need for coordinated efforts among the business community, the Chattogram Port Authority and other relevant stakeholders to ensure uninterrupted operations.