Written by The Banking Post
A shipload of nearly 60,000 metric tonnes of high-quality American wheat has arrived at Chattogram seaport, marking another major step in strengthening food security and bilateral trade between Bangladesh and the United States.
US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen visited the port on Monday alongside Chattogram Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral S. M. Moniruzzaman and Food Secretary Md. Firoz Sarker to mark the delivery, according to the US Embassy in Dhaka.
The consignment is part of a broader shipment exceeding 173,000 metric tonnes, including nearly 115,000 tonnes of soft wheat from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, and close to 60,000 tonnes of hard red winter wheat from Montana and Nebraska. Together, the shipments represent a critical supply of high-protein grain, as Bangladesh produces only about 13 per cent of its annual wheat requirement.
“These historic deliveries reflect Bangladesh’s growing role as a key market for American agricultural exports,” the embassy said, noting that the increased imports are linked to trade agreements aimed at averting higher reciprocal tariffs on Bangladeshi exports.
In July 2025, the Ministry of Food signed a memorandum of understanding with a US trade body representing wheat farmers to purchase up to 700,000 metric tonnes of American wheat annually until 2030. Under the deal, Bangladesh has already bought around 660,000 tonnes in three separate transactions, with more than 350,000 tonnes delivered so far.
“This agreement supports American farmers and businesses while ensuring a reliable supply of nutritious wheat for the people of Bangladesh,” the mission said.
Officials said the expanded wheat imports would help stabilise domestic supplies, support food security, and deepen commercial cooperation between the two countries.
