US Becomes Bangladesh’s Second-Largest Trading Partner, Overtaking India

Photo: Collected

News Desk: The United States has overtaken India to become Bangladesh’s second-largest trading partner. According to data from the National Board of Revenue, Bangladesh’s total trade with the United States reached $12.67 billion in the last fiscal year, compared with $10.72 billion in trade with India. With this gap, the United States now ranks second, while China continues to hold the top position as usual.

The shift has been driven by increased imports of goods from the United States. Over the past year, imports from the US rose by nearly 43% to $3.56 billion. To cope with pressure from US tariff policies, Bangladesh adopted a strategy of importing more agricultural products and energy from the United States. As a result, imports of wheat, soybean seeds, cotton and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US increased sharply. In addition, Bangladesh’s decision to purchase 14 aircraft from US aircraft manufacturer Boeing also played a significant role in boosting bilateral trade.

Meanwhile, trade between India and Bangladesh has slowed somewhat. The situation has resulted from various regulations and reciprocal measures between the two countries since last year. Bangladesh stopped importing yarn from India through land ports, while India, in response, withdrew a special facility that allowed Bangladeshi goods to be transported to other countries through Kolkata airport.

Overall, while some distance has emerged in trade between the two neighbouring countries, economic and trade ties between Dhaka and Washington have strengthened further.