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Dhaka, July 25: Bangladesh’s external trade is set to become costlier as the government has approved a significant increase in port tariffs at Chittagong Port, the country’s principal maritime gateway. In some cases, the rates have surged by more than tenfold, sparking concern among exporters.

The Ministry of Finance on Thursday cleared a proposal from the Ministry of Shipping to revise charges on both goods and vessels. The hike is aimed at improving service quality and operational efficiency, according to officials.

Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) officials note that most of these tariffs had not been updated since 1986, with a partial revision in 2008 for only five services.

However, port users expressed dismay at the timing of the hike, especially when exports to the US are facing headwinds due to a 35% reciprocal tariff on top of the existing 15%.

Key Tariff Revisions:

• Port dues (per GRT): $0.241 → $0.306
• Pilotage (10,000 GRT vessel): $357.75 → $800
• Night shifting charge: $59.60 → $80
• Tugboat charges:
  • 200–1,000 GRT: $158 → $615
  • 1,000–5,000 GRT: $316 → $615
  • 5,000–10,000 GRT: $632 → $1,230
  • 10,000–20,000 GRT: Re-fixed at $2,050
  • Over 20,000 GRT: $3,415
• Tugboat (firefighting): $30 → $325.89
• Salvage-diving unit: $71.50 → $344.59
• Dredger rental: $2,235–4,470 → $10,281
• Gate pass (temporary): Tk 25 → Tk 100
• Vehicle entry (truck/trailer): Tk 12.50 → Tk 200

Container Handling Charges:

• Loaded containers:
  • ≤21 ft: $43 → $68
  • 21 ft: $65 → $102
  • 40 ft: $90 → $115
• LCL (Less-than-Container Load) containers:
  • ≤21 ft: $130 → $204
  • 21 ft: $195 → $306
  • 40 ft: $260 → $344
• Empty containers:
  • ≤21 ft: $22.10 → $34
  • 21 ft: $33.20 → $51
  • 40 ft: $40 → $57

Reactions from Trade Sector:

Industry leaders and exporters have raised strong objections. Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, former Vice President of the BGMEA, called the hike “illogical” and “business-unfriendly.”

“Without prior consultation with stakeholders or visible improvements in port efficiency, this move will only add to the cost burden on exporters,” he told The Financial Express.

He warned that such policy shocks—especially amid tariff threats from major markets—would deter investment and hamper export competitiveness.