Import Trends in Bangladesh: What’s in Demand in 2025?

Bangladesh, one of the fastest-growing economies in South Asia, is evolving rapidly in terms of both production and consumption. While the country is globally known for its thriving ready-made garments (RMG) exports, the import sector also plays a vital role in fueling economic growth and meeting the demands of a rising middle class, growing industrial base, and ambitious infrastructure development.

In 2025, Bangladesh’s import landscape is shaped by global economic shifts, digital transformation, and national development goals. This blog explores the latest import trends, which sectors are seeing growing demand, and what this means for businesses, traders, and international suppliers looking to engage with the Bangladeshi market.

📦 Snapshot of Bangladesh’s Import Market

According to recent data from the Bangladesh Bank and Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the country’s total imports in 2024 crossed USD 85 billion, reflecting strong demand from the manufacturing, energy, consumer, and tech sectors. The year 2025 is expected to continue this upward trend due to both domestic consumption and export-linked supply chain requirements.

Key import categories include:

• Capital machinery

• Raw materials for RMG and textiles

• Petroleum and LNG

• Food products

• Electronics and ICT equipment

• Pharmaceuticals and medical devices

🔗 Explore verified import agent services in Bangladesh

🔍 Top Import Trends in Bangladesh in 2025

1. Machinery and Industrial Equipment: Supporting Local Manufacturing

With Bangladesh aiming to become a manufacturing powerhouse in Asia, there’s a sharp increase in the import of:

• CNC machinery

• Textile production equipment

• Packaging machines

• Automation tools

This trend is fueled by:

• The expansion of 100+ Economic Zones (EZs) under the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA)

• The transition to Industry 4.0 practices

• Government incentives for foreign investors in manufacturing

🔗 Inside the Economic Zones: Why Global Manufacturers Are Choosing Bangladesh

2. Energy Imports: Meeting Industrial and Urban Demand

Bangladesh’s reliance on imported energy remains strong. Despite progress in renewable energy and LNG terminals, the country continues to import:

• Crude oil and petroleum products

• Liquefied natural gas (LNG)

• Coal for power generation

Rising industrialization and urbanization are key drivers, especially as the government targets 100% electrification and reliable industrial power by 2030.

3. Raw Materials for the Textile & Garment Sector

The RMG industry still depends heavily on imported raw materials such as:

• Cotton

• Dyes and chemicals

• Synthetic fibers

• Specialty fabrics

Despite efforts to boost backward linkage industries, demand for high-quality inputs from China, India, Korea, and Turkey continues to grow.

🔗 The Rise of Bangladesh’s Garment Industry: A Global Success Story

4. Food & Agricultural Imports: Feeding a Growing Population

With a population of over 170 million and changing dietary habits, Bangladesh is importing more:

• Edible oil (soybean and palm oil)

• Wheat and corn

• Sugar

• Dairy products and powdered milk

• Processed and packaged foods

The rise of supermarkets, e-commerce food delivery, and urban demand for global products is reshaping the food import market.

5. Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Medical Equipment

Though Bangladesh is a leading producer of generic medicines, it imports over 90% of its Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and also relies on imports for:

• Diagnostic machines

• Medical imaging equipment

• ICU and surgical tools

COVID-19 accelerated the modernization of healthcare, creating long-term import demand in the health tech and pharmaceutical sector.

6. Electronics and ICT Products: Digital Bangladesh in Action

With the rise of the “Smart Bangladesh 2041” vision, there is increasing demand for:

• Smartphones and tablets

• Laptops and servers

• Networking equipment

• Digital signage and IoT devices

Tech-savvy consumers and digital-first businesses are driving imports from China, South Korea, Japan, and the U.S.

🔗 Digital Bangladesh: The Role of Tech in Modern Manufacturing and Export

🛃 Import Regulation & Policy Highlights (2025 Update)

To facilitate rising demand and ensure quality, the government is improving trade procedures:

• Digitized Customs Clearance with ASYCUDA World

• Pre-arrival processing for imports at Chattogram and Mongla ports

• Reduced import duties on green technologies and ICT tools

• Special facilities for importers in Special Economic Zones (SEZs)

For new importers, local agents and customs experts can provide essential support in navigating documentation, compliance, and logistics.

🔗 Top Services Global Brands Need When Entering Bangladesh

📊 Future Outlook: What to Expect Beyond 2025

Looking forward, key trends will shape the next wave of import demand in Bangladesh:

• Green tech imports: Solar panels, EV parts, and energy storage

• Cold chain equipment: For agribusiness, vaccine storage, and exports

• Luxury goods and branded consumer electronics: With the rise of affluent consumers

• Construction materials: Linked to mega-projects like the Dhaka Metro, Payra Port, and smart city developments

✅ Conclusion

Bangladesh’s import landscape in 2025 reflects a growing, diversifying economy with significant needs across sectors. From industrial machinery to consumer electronics, food staples to smart tech—opportunities abound for global suppliers and trade partners.

Whether you’re a manufacturer, distributor, or logistics provider, working with a verified local agent can make the import process more transparent, compliant, and profitable.