Dhaka: Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir informed Parliament that Bangladesh experienced its largest trade deficit with India among SAARC member countries, with the imbalance reaching $7.86 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister revealed this information while responding to a starred question from treasury bench member SM Jahangir Hossain (Dhaka-18). Muktadir highlighted that Bangladesh’s trade deficit with India is the most significant among SAARC nations. He also noted that the country has trade deficits with Afghanistan, Bhutan, and Pakistan, but enjoys trade surpluses with Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
The minister provided specific figures, noting that Bangladesh exported $11.09 million worth of goods to Afghanistan, while imports were $21.80 million, resulting in a $10.71 million deficit. Similarly, exports to Bhutan amounted to $14.33 million, with imports reaching $44.10 million, leading to a $29.77 million deficit.
In trade with India, Bangladesh exported goods valued at $1,764.24 million against imports totaling $9,624.10 million, resulting in the significant deficit of $7,859.87 million. On the other hand, trade with Nepal showed a surplus, with exports at $35.40 million and imports at $5.50 million.
Additionally, Bangladesh exported $74 million worth of products to Pakistan, while imports stood at $755.30 million, creating a $681.30 million deficit. However, trade with Sri Lanka and the Maldives showed surpluses, with exports to Sri Lanka at $82.85 million against imports of $76.60 million and exports to the Maldives at $6.35 million compared to imports of $3.50 million.