China, India, Indonesia lead Bangladesh’s trade deficit list: Commerce minister

Bangladesh recorded trade deficits with 58 countries in fiscal year 2024-25, with China, India and Indonesia emerging as its three largest deficit partners, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir told the parliament today.

The minister disclosed the information in a scripted reply to a question from MP Subikunnahar during the question-and-answer session in the parliament.

According to the minister, Bangladesh imported goods worth $18.56 billion from China in FY25, while exports to the country stood at only $694.49 million.

With India, Bangladesh exported goods worth $1.76 billion and imported goods worth $9.62 billion.

In the case of Indonesia, Bangladesh imported goods worth $3.64 billion and exported only $56.71 million.

The minister added that Bangladesh also runs trade deficits with several other countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, Vietnam, Argentina, South Korea, Thailand, Pakistan, Morocco and Japan.