Bangladesh faces trade deficits with 58 nations; tea estates vulnerable to unrest

Bangladesh incurred trade deficits with 58 countries during the fiscal year 2024-25, with China, India, and Indonesia identified as the largest deficit partners, according to Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir. The minister presented these figures in parliament in response to a query from MP Subikunnahar.

The trade deficit with China alone amounted to $17.87 billion. Bangladesh imported goods worth $18.56 billion from China while exporting only $694.49 million. The deficit with India stood at $7.86 billion, with imports totaling $9.62 billion against exports of $1.76 billion. Indonesia followed with a deficit of $3.58 billion.

Other significant trade deficits were recorded with Singapore ($2.8 billion), Brazil ($2.45 billion), Qatar ($2.11 billion), and Malaysia ($2.01 billion). These figures highlight the substantial imbalance in Bangladesh's international trade relationships during the fiscal year.

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Bangladesh imported goods worth $18.56 billion from China in FY25, while exports to the country stood at $694.49 million, resulting in a trade deficit of $17.87 billion.

In a separate matter, the minister also addressed concerns regarding the tea industry. The National Security Intelligence (NSI) has identified 31 tea estates as being at high risk of labor unrest. This vulnerability stems from unpaid wages owed to workers and employees.

The NSI's special report, dated May 18, 2025, indicates that some tea garden owners abandoned their estates following a change in circumstances after August 5, 2024. This abandonment led to mismanagement and resulted in workers not receiving their wages properly, triggering dissatisfaction and unrest. The Bangladesh Tea Board has reportedly taken measures to address these issues, including ensuring wage payments in the affected gardens.

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The National Security Intelligence (NSI) has identified 31 tea estates as vulnerable to labour unrest due to unpaid wages of workers and employees.