Exports vs Inflation: Bangladesh's Dual Front Battle

• Bangladesh Exports Surpassed USD 50bn in 2024, with December seeing a sharp 18% growth year-on-year Source

• Bangladesh’s GDP Grows by 1.81% in Q1 FY25, marking the slowest growth in four years Source

• Taka Mid-Rate was Adjusted to BDT 119, leading to higher dollar exchange rates in banks, with commercial banks trading at BDT 122 Source

• Grameen Bank Ownership Shift, increasing borrower ownership to 95% Source

• Bepza Economic Zone Secures USD 926.5mn, adding 40 companies with new investments Source

• Global Food Prices Drop by 2.1% in 2024, as cereal and sugar prices decline Source

• Bangladesh will maintain its current duties until Ramadan ends, ensuring market stability Source

• Brazil Proposes Beef Exports to Bangladesh, Eyeing Deeper Economic Ties Source

• Soybean Oil Prices Increased by 1.46%, pushing domestic edible oil costs higher Source

• Payra Power Plant Resumes Full Production, adding 1,320 MW to the grid. Source

Economy & Banking

• Exports Cross USD 50bn in 2024: Bangladesh's exports grew 8.3% year-on-year, reaching USD 50bn, with December alone contributing USD 4.62bn, a record 18% rise Source

• Taka Loses Value Against USD: Bangladesh Bank increased the crawling peg mid-rate to BDT 119, with commercial banks trading at BDT 122 Source

• GDP Growth Slows to 1.81%: Bangladesh's GDP grew at the slowest rate in four years, with financial and insurance sectors contracting by 2.33% Source

• Savings Certificate Rates Hiked: Interest rates for savings certificates have increased by at least 1%, now offering up to 12.4% Source

• Grameen Bank Ownership to Shift: The government plans to reduce its stake in Grameen Bank from 25% to 5%, increasing borrower ownership to 95% Source

Trade & Commerce

• Soybean Oil Prices Rise Again: Domestic soybean oil prices increased 1.46% to BDT 173-175 per liter due to global supply constraints Source

• Bhomra Land Port Generates USD 1.3mn Revenue: Exporting 23 product categories to India, the port saw significant contributions from yarn and textiles Source

• Bepza Economic Zone Secures USD 926.5mn: Investments from 40 companies in Bepza Economic Zone are expected to generate significant employment Source

• Bangladesh Leads in Green Factories: The country boasts 233 LEED-certified garment factories, including 93 platinum-rated ones Source

• Renata's Psychiatric Medicine Export: Renata shipped its first batch of 12 million Risperidone tablets to the US, marking a milestone in pharmaceutical exports Source

• Vegetable Exports Plummet by 57.9%: Rising freight costs and reduced government incentives led to a significant decline in fresh vegetable exports Source

• Payra Power Plant Resumes Full Production: The 1,320 MW plant is now operating at full capacity, meeting a notable portion of national demand Source

International

• US Trade Deficit with Vietnam Soars: The deficit reached USD 110bn, driven by a weakened dong boosting Vietnamese exports Source

• Global Food Prices Drop 2.1%: Declines in cereal and sugar prices contributed to the reduction, as reported by FAO Source

• Brazil Proposes Beef Exports to Bangladesh: Brazil aims to enter Bangladesh’s market, offering competitive pricing and exploring bilateral trade growth Source