Business & Economy
Trade deficit widens 29% to $3.82bn in July-August
Bangladesh’s trade deficit widened to $3.82 billion in the first two months of FY27 as imports rose 12.1%, faster than export growth of 5.8%. Stronger remittances helped keep the current account in surplus.
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From 8 October 2026 — Daily Brief
Bangladesh’s trade deficit widened 29% year on year to $3.82 billion in July-August, as import payments increased faster than export earnings, central bank data show.
Imports rose 12.1% to $12.20 billion in the first two months of fiscal year 2026-27, while exports increased 5.8% to $8.38 billion. Petroleum import costs were a major contributor, more than doubling to about $2.49 billion.
Despite the wider goods deficit, strong remittance inflows helped the current account record a $599 million surplus, compared with $197 million in the same period a year earlier.
The financial account was weaker. Its deficit widened to about $1.14 billion, while net foreign direct investment slipped to $223 million from $243 million. The overall balance-of-payments deficit consequently increased to $694 million.
The figures show the mixed nature of Bangladesh’s external position: households’ remittances are providing support, but higher import bills and weaker financial inflows are putting pressure on the balance of payments. Energy prices and the pace of export growth will remain important variables in the coming months.