Strong Start to 2025 - Export Boom & Corporate Wins

• Bangladesh will remain the top shipbreaking destination globally in 2024 Source

• Exports in January were up 7% YoY, reaching USD 4.5bn, driven by ready-made garments Source

• Remittance crosses USD 2bn for the sixth consecutive month in January Source

• External deficit falls 89% in H1 of FY25 despite economic instability Source

• Inflation drops to 9.94% in January, showing signs of economic stabilization Source

• Apparel leads 5.7% export growth in January Source

• Olympic Industries to buy land worth BDT 170mn for expansion Source

• Sales of trucks rebound on pent-up demand Source

• US manufacturing ends 26-month contraction, signaling global trade recovery Source

• Lee's Tobacco Machinery to invest USD 8.32mn in BEPZA Economic Zone Source

Economy & Banking

• Wage Growth Lags Behind Inflation: Wage growth for unskilled labor remains negative for three consecutive years as inflation outpaces pay rises. Source

• GDP Growth Target May Be Revised: Bangladesh's GDP growth target could be lowered to 5.25% due to floods and monetary tightening. Source

• External Deficit Falls 89%: Bangladesh's balance of payment deficit drops significantly in H1 FY25. Source

• Inflation Drops to 9.94%: Food inflation declines, contributing to overall economic stabilization. Source

• Fourth, Fifth Loan Tranches May Come Together in June: IMF's fourth and fifth loan installments for Bangladesh might be disbursed jointly, pending key reforms. Source

• BB Files Embezzlement Case Against Nagad: Allegations of financial irregularities worth BDT 645 crore prompt legal action. Source

Business & Corporate

• Square Pharma's Profit Rises 26%: Strong earnings boost in Q2 FY25. Source

• Padma Oil's Profit Surges 76%: Significant profit increase in Q2 due to higher income. Source

• Square Textiles' Profit Jumps 53%: Profit surge driven by increased production. Source

Trade & Commerce

• Exports in January Up 7% YoY: Exports reach USD 4.5bn, driven by RMG growth. Source

• Apparel Leads Export Growth: Readymade garments fuel 5.7% YoY export growth. Source

• Bangladesh Remains Top Shipbreaking Destination: Despite economic challenges, the country leads globally in ship recycling. Source

International

• US Manufacturing Ends Contraction: Growth returns after 26 months of decline. Source

• Gold Prices Hit Record High: Global gold prices reach historic levels amid economic uncertainty. Source