Imports fell by 12 percent in September

Imports were expected to fall for several months due to the massive restriction on luxury goods imports. Although the impact is not felt till August, both imports and exports have declined since September.

According to main line operators of foreign vessels, imports fell by 12 percent in September and exports by 16 percent compared to August 2022.

According to the main line operators of foreign vessels, in September 2022, 1 lakh 1 thousand 493 units of import cargo containers arrived at Chittagong port; In August the amount was 1 lakh 14 thousand 920 units. In percentage, imports decreased by 12 percent. The import volume in July was 1 lakh 13 thousand 600 units.

Traders say that the reason for the decrease in imports is that the Board of Revenue has imposed new duties on the import of 135 types of non-essential and luxury goods last May. Along with these products, banks have to pay 100% margin to open a credit card for import of less important products. Which means, traders have to pay 1 crore cash in order to open a credit card of 1 crore Tk. The booking rate of these products abroad has also increased; And the demand in the country has decreased. Overall, the rate of import of goods fell.

Ajmir Hossain Chowdhury, Head of Operations and Logistics of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), said that due to strict opening of credit, volatility in dollar exchange rate and reduced demand, imports have decreased. This trend may last till December to January.

MA Salam, head of the Asian Group and a garment trader, said one of the main reasons for the decline in exports was the disruption of the supply chain due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Also, due to the increase in the price of products, buyers are more interested in everyday products than luxury products across Europe.

However, a director of Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association said that the export rate is low from September-November every year. It happened this time too. Exports increased by 14 percent in September 2022 compared to September 2021. Exports are now higher than in 2019. I am hopeful that exports will start to pick up again from November.