Due to a complete two-day shutdown by the Customs Department, Bangladesh has suffered billions of taka in trade losses, according to business leaders. This sudden stop severely affected both import and export activities across the country.
Import and Export Processes Came to a Halt
During the shutdown, customs clearance for imported raw materials was completely stopped. At the same time, export shipments faced serious delays due to complications in getting approval for loading.
Many cargo ships were also stuck at the port jetties, as they couldn’t move in or out without proper clearance from customs.
Trade Recovery May Take Weeks
Although the customs strike has now been called off, traders worry that the after-effects could last for weeks.
The Chattogram port, which handles 93% of the country’s trade, was hit the hardest. Customs staff had been observing partial strikes for a month, and on Saturday and Sunday (June 29), they went into full shutdown mode.
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Shipping Agents Report Major Losses
President of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, Syed Mohammad Arif, said that ships were forced to sit idle at berths, increasing operational costs and causing serious financial damage.
Normally, the port delivers 4,000 to 4,500 containers daily, but on Sunday, only 139 containers were released.
Loaded Ships Couldn’t Leave or Enter the Port
Due to lack of customs clearance, even ships that were already loaded could not leave the port. An international shipping company reported that three loaded vessels couldn’t sail, and two vessels carrying raw materials were unable to dock.
Azmir Hossain Chowdhury, Head of Operations at MSC Shipping, noted that such crises damage the country’s image in the international trade market and hurt business relationships.
Over 120 Ships Stuck at Chattogram Port
Currently, there are 129 ships anchored in and around Chattogram port, including 31 container ships. Of these, 21 were waiting to dock at the jetty during the shutdown.
Bulk cargo carriers, also waiting offshore, were in the same condition. Shipping businesses say mother vessels are fined between $10,000 and $25,000 per day for staying beyond the permitted time at the port.
Garment Sector Hit the Hardest
The ready-made garment industry faced the most severe impact. Raw materials for production were stuck inside port sheds, while export-ready garments couldn’t be shipped due to port delays.
According to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), over 5,000 containers carrying garments were not shipped during the two-day shutdown.
BGMEA Director M. Mohiuddin Chowdhury said that the delay in delivery frustrated international buyers and sellers. Many foreign clients have demanded discounts, and some are now reconsidering future orders.
Port Operating at Full Capacity
The Chattogram port, with a capacity of 53,518 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), currently holds around 40,722 TEUs of containers—showing how congested it has become due to the disruptions.
Source: Bangladesh Times
