Written by The Banking Post
Trade ties between Bangladesh and the United States strengthened in 2025, with Washington temporarily overtaking India to become Dhaka’s second-largest trading partner in several months.
Data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics show the US moved into the second position in May, August and December, driven by a notable rise in imports from the world’s largest economy.
In December alone, the US accounted for 9.6 per cent of Bangladesh’s total trade, surpassing India’s 8.09 per cent share. China retained its top position with nearly 20 per cent of the trade share.
Economists say the shift reflects a cyclical adjustment rather than a structural change, influenced by evolving trade policies and rising demand for key imports such as agricultural commodities, machinery and energy products.
“Trade rankings can change when import volumes fluctuate significantly,” said economist Zahid Hussain. “The US is already Bangladesh’s largest export destination. When imports from the US rise, it naturally elevates its position in overall trade.”
Bangladesh’s exports to the US—dominated by ready-made garments—have long underpinned the relationship, though imports from the US have historically lagged behind those from China and India.
Business leaders say 2025 saw a temporary narrowing of that gap.
“China remains our most competitive sourcing destination due to pricing, supply chain efficiency and flexible payment terms,” said Anwar Alam Chowdhury Parvez. “But when imports from the US increase, especially in key sectors, its ranking improves.”
China continues to dominate as a supplier of industrial raw materials and capital machinery, while India benefits from geographic proximity and strong regional trade links.
Zaidi Sattar, chairman of the Policy Research Institute, said rising imports from the US—particularly liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other commodities—are reshaping Bangladesh’s trade balance.
He also pointed to opportunities in cotton imports, citing a new US policy that could allow duty-free access for exports made using US-origin cotton.
“If Bangladesh imports cotton worth $1 billion from the US, it could secure duty-free export opportunities of an equivalent value,” he said.
While the shift signals deeper engagement with the US, analysts say China and India will remain dominant players in Bangladesh’s trade landscape in the near term.
