Required Report: Required - Public Distribution Date: January 03, 2024

Report Number: BG2023-0025

Report Name: Exporter Guide Annual

Country: Bangladesh

Post: Dhaka

Report Category: Exporter Guide

Prepared By: Tanvir Hossain

Approved By: Sarah Gilleski

Report Highlights:

In 2022, U.S. exports of consumer-oriented products to Bangladesh were valued at $9.5 million,
accounting for less than 1 percent of the market share of the $2 billion in consumer-oriented products
Bangladesh imported. The domestic food market is competitive, with a growing food processing
industry and more consumers demanding high-value and quality products. The evolving Bangladesh
market presents new opportunities for U.S. exporters in the food processing, modern retail, and
hospitality sectors.

THIS REPORT CONTAINS ASSESSMENTS OF COMMODITY AND TRADE ISSUES MADE BY USDA STAFF AND NOT NECESSARILY
STATEMENTS OF OFFICIAL U.S. GOVERNMENT POLICY
Market Fact Sheet: Bangladesh Quick Facts 2022
Executive Summary Imports of Consumer-Oriented Products
Bangladesh, home to 170 million people, ranks as the From the world $2 billion
world’s eighth most populated country and the 41st From the United States $9.5 million
largest economy. Bangladesh is projected to graduate
from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026. List of Top 10 Growth Products
As of 2022, Bangladesh had the second largest 1) Tree nuts 6) Fresh fruits
economy in South Asia, with a Gross Domestic 2) Food preparations 7) Spices
Product (GDP) of $460 billion and a per capita GDP of 3) Dairy products 8) Fresh vegetables
$2,730. 4) Processed vegetables 9) Processed vegetables
5) Condiments 10) Processed fruits
Imports of Consumer Oriented Products
U.S. exports of agricultural and related products Food Industry by Channels 2022
reached $937.4 million in 2022, of which $69.8 million Food Industry Output: $8 billion
were intermediate products, and $9.5 million were Consumer-Oriented Food Exports: $1 billion
consumer-oriented products. Bangladesh imported $2 Consumer-Oriented Food Imports: $2 billion
billion of consumer-oriented products from the world Domestic Consumer-Oriented Food Market: $9 billion
in 2022, out of $14 billion in total agricultural and
related products imports. Top 10 Bangladesh Retailers
Shwapno Lavender Super Stores Ltd.
Bangladesh Consumer-Oriented Products Imports Agora Khulshi Mart
Meena Bazar Pick and Pay
Market Share, 2022
Unimart Almas Super Shop
Others The Daily Shopping Prince Bazar
16%
United
States India
1% 35% Strength/Weakness/Opportunities/Challenges
Singapore
4% Strengths Weakness
Growing demand from High import tariffs on
South
middle class consumers non-essential food
Africa
5% Modern retail market size is Weak port
expanding. infrastructure and
EU 27
(Brexit) limited cold chain
10% China New infrastructure
14% Zealand Opportunities Challenges
15%
Food processing industry Sluggish economy is
Food Processing Industry demands safe and quality currently hampering
Bangladesh has approximately 700 food processing ingredients. buying power.
companies. The $8 billion food processing sector in High-value product The United States
Bangladesh grew on average 8 percent per year importers have interest in faces stiff
between 2005 and 2022. U.S. popular brands and competition in the
new products. premium food
Food Retail Industry market.
Bangladesh’s modern food retail industry has
approximately 50 companies with more than 250 Data and Information Source: Trade Data Monitor,
outlets. From 2015 to 2022, the annual turnover for
International Monetary Fund
members of Bangladesh Supermarket Owners
Association grew from around $200 million to $300
million.

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SECTION I. MARKET OVERVIEW

Bangladesh is a country the size of Iowa, situated in the northeastern corner of the Indian subcontinent
bordered by India and Myanmar, with a population of approximately 170 million people. Bangladesh is
the eighth most populous country in the world, and the most densely populated country outside of city
states. Currently, 60 percent of Bangladesh’s population resides in rural areas, but Bangladesh continues
to urbanize at a fast pace. 91 percent of Bangladeshi’s are Muslim.

With a growing middle class, Bangladesh is expected to graduate from LDC status in 2026. In 2022,
Bangladesh’s gross national income per capita grew to $2,820, up from $1,210 in 2015 (World Bank).
Bangladesh has had consistent annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth of over 6.5 percent since
2017 (Bangladesh Bank). In 2022, much of this growth was driven by exports from the $45.7 billion
ready-made garment (RMG) industry, which made up 84 percent of Bangladesh’s total export value.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Bangladesh has faced economic challenges, marked by declining
foreign exchange reserves (forex), high inflation, and devaluation of the local currency, the taka. In
response, the Central Bank of Bangladesh has implemented numerous measures to prevent the depletion
of foreign reserves, including tightening the rules regarding the opening of letters of credit (LCs). Since
July 28, 2022, the Central Bank asked the banks to provide information related to opening any LC
valued over $3 million. Due to the short supply of U.S. dollars, many banks are struggling to issue LCs.
Consumer purchasing power has decreased as the inflation rate reached 9.49 percent in November 2023
(Bangladesh Bank).

While the agriculture sector employs 38 percent of the employed population, it accounted for only 11.2
percent of GDP in 2023. The industrial sector accounts for 37.6 percent of GDP and employs 18 percent
of the population, while the services sector accounts for 51.2 percent of GDP and employs 44 percent of
the employed population (Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics).

Dhaka is the capital and largest city in Bangladesh and the main economic hub. Chattogram, situated on
the coast, boasts the second-largest economy and is home to the main seaport, responsible for managing
98 percent of container cargo. Dhaka and Chattogram are home to sizable middle-class populations,
leading to a robust demand for goods and services.

U.S. agricultural and related products exports to Bangladesh were $937 million in 2022. Leading exports
were dominated by bulk and intermediate products including cotton ($469.8 million), oilseeds ($382.5
million), and dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) ($30 million) (USDA GATS).

Food Purchasing Behavior

An increasing percentage of upper middle to upper class consumers are shopping at modern retail outlets
due to greater convenience. Consumers in higher income brackets prefer international brands, including
products from a specific country of origin, which they believe indicates safety and quality. The modern
retail sector currently constitutes about 2 to 3 percent of total retail sales in Dhaka, Chattogram, and
Sylhet. Despite the availability of processed foods, many consumers prefer fresh and locally sourced
produce. Wet markets and street vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and other food items are very
popular with all classes of consumers.

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Advantages and Challenges for U.S. Products in Bangladesh
Advantages Challenges
Urban middle-class consumers prefer imported There is a high level of market competition for
consumer-oriented products. imported food. U.S. prices are comparatively
higher for consumers, compounded by high
shipping costs.
Urban consumers are increasingly spending more Prices of imported products are higher than locally
on imported food items and are changing their produced products.
eating habits to consume more international foods.

Road infrastructure is gradually improving, which Weak port infrastructure and poor cold chain
is facilitating imports quicker movements from management hamper market expansion.
port to Dhaka.
Modern retailers and distributors are expanding the Customs procedures and import regulations are
marketing of imported products. complex and non-transparent. Customs clearance is
time-consuming.
Expanding food processing industry demands safe High tariff rates increase costs.
and quality products.
Bangladeshi consumers are aware of the quality Sluggish economy is currently hampering buying
and safety of U.S. products. power

SECTION II. EXPORTER BUSINESS TIPS

Market Research: Road Map for Market Entry

U.S. exporters to Bangladesh are encouraged to first ensure their product has market access. It is also
beneficial to connect with importers to receive up to date information on prices and demand. Due to high
tariffs, a product is likely to be at least two to three times more costly than U.S. FOB prices when it
reaches retail shelves. Exporters should consider whether they are willing to start small, meet special
labeling requirements, or ship mixed or partial containers, and should be both persistent and patient.

Locate a reliable importer/distributor to export agricultural products to Bangladesh. The importers

must have an import registration certificate from the Ministry of Commerce, a trade license from the
municipal corporation under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives,
and a value added tax (VAT) registration certificate from the Ministry of Finance.

Consider the following before selecting an importer/distributor:

 Do they have a strong distribution network?
 How is their distribution network structured?
 Who are their customers? Do they sell to retailers, hotels, or restaurants?
 What are their capabilities? Do they have experience handling perishable foods?
 Are they interested in marketing your products? If so, how will marketing costs be handled?
 Are they managing similar brands or products from other suppliers? If yes, consider if this leads
to a conflict of interest or has other benefits, such as working with someone who has experience
with a product similar to yours.

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  What are the margins and costs charged by the distributor?
 Recognize that agents with fewer employees and smaller set-ups may be more adaptable and
committed than those with a large infrastructure and established reputations.
 Agents with an established, long-term reputation in the market can also provide additional
certainty that they are interested in developing a long-term business relationship with you.

Ensuring payment is another important consideration when establishing a relationship with an importer.
Bangladeshi importers must follow government import procedures. All import transactions for more
than $100,000 must be through a bank via opening an irrevocable letter of credit (LC). Any trading with
or without an LC also requires letter of credit authorization form. Please note that USDA does not have
the authority to mediate contractual disputes or serve as a collection agent when differences over
payment arise.

Visit Bangladesh to understand the market first-hand, particularly the modern retail and hotel,
restaurant, and institutional (HRI) sectors. Bangladesh hosts a few food and agriculture expos (BAPA
Foodpro and CEMS-Foodexpo), but they are small compared to the major international trade shows.
Most Bangladeshi importers and other end users travel to major regional shows such as Food Hotel
Asia, Anuga, and Gulfood.

A number of local trade associations and chambers of industry are active in Bangladesh. These
associations work on behalf of both domestic and international food and food ingredient manufacturers,
processors, importers, farmers, retailers, and cooperatives. Exporters should identify appropriate
associations, such as the Bangladesh Foodstuff Importers and Suppliers Association.

Local Business Customs and Trends:

Business practices in Bangladesh significantly differ from those in the United States.
 There are no laws regulating the relationship between international suppliers and local agents
and distributors; this relationship is governed only by private agreements.
 Engaging a local agent is usually the best option in Bangladesh; however, many Bangladeshi
importers do not know U.S. grades, standards, and appellations. Exporters may provide pictures,
brochures, or samples. Bangladesh uses the metric system.
 English is the language of international business in Bangladesh, but translation may be needed
occasionally.
 Customs clearing and forwarding agents provide services for port and customs clearance.
Customs clearance requires multiple copies of stamped and signed documents and requires more
time to be cleared compared to the United States.
 Business travel during Ramadan should be avoided, if possible.
 Foreigners cannot open retail shops.

General Consumer Tastes and Trends

Bangladesh has a rich local culinary tradition with steamed rice as a staple food, spicy curry dishes made
with chicken, beef, and goat meat; cultured, river, and sea fish; and diverse summer and winter
vegetables. Different varieties of rice and rice-based dishes are popular, such as biryani and khichuri.
Consumers appreciate well-spiced dishes with a balance of flavors.

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Urbanization and exposure to global trends have influenced consumer preferences. Younger consumers
are more familiar and interested in global cuisines, and western-style restaurants are expanding in
Dhaka and Chattogram. Imported and locally supplied milk-based desserts and sweets are very popular,
fueling milk powder imports.

Urban consumers' preferences are expanding to include imported nuts and seeds, potato chips,
chocolates, coffee, condiments and sauces, and imported ingredient-based savory snacks. There is a
growing awareness of health and wellness, leading to an increased interest in healthier food options.
Consumers may seek products with perceived health benefits and natural ingredients.

SECTION III. IMPORT FOOD STANDARDS & REGULATIONS AND IMPORT

PROCEDURES

U.S. exporters doing business in Bangladesh for the first time may find Bangladesh’s food standards and
food safety regulations challenging. Bangladeshi importers and freight forwarders are often the best
sources of information and can assist with import procedures.

FAS/Dhaka publishes Food and Agricultural Imports Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) reports that
describe Bangladesh’s requirements for imported food and beverage products. The FAIRS Country
Report provides information on general food laws and regulations for food additives, pesticides,
packaging and containers, labeling, and other specific standards, and the FAIRS Export Certificate
Report provides information on the required certificates for export to Bangladesh. Information on
country language labeling requirements, and trademarks and patents market research is in the FAIRS
report. Detailed export and import guidance is available in the Government of Bangladesh’s Trade
Portal.

Food Laws
The Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) governs food safety issues per the Food Safety Act,
2013 and the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute (BSTI) administrates the food standards
following the Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institute Act, 2018. BSTI regulates standards of
domestic and imported food and non-food items and is the halal food certifying agency.

Customs Clearance
Bangladesh Customs works with multiple regulatory ministries to verify certificates, test samples, issue
laboratory reports/clearance certificates, and consignment release approval.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Commerce issued Import Policy Order 2021-24 (Bangla), which details the
trading procedures and customs clearance requirements to export food and non-food products to
Bangladesh. Trading procedures, tariff schedules, regulatory orders, and export-import guides are
explained in the Bangladesh Trade Portal and Bangladesh Customs website.

Documents Generally Required by Bangladesh Customs

To complete customs clearance, Customs requires the following documents depending on the type of
commodities:
 Letter of Credit (LC)
 Invoice

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  Bill of Lading
 Packing List
 Country of Origin Certificates
 Health Certificate (Fit for Human Consumption)
 Import Permits from Plant Quarantine Wing, Department of Agricultural Extension
 No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Animal Quarantine Wing, Department of
Livestock Services
 Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Certificates from exporting country authority
 Release Order from Plant or Animal Quarantine Wing, Government of Bangladesh
 Quality standard testing report from exporting country laboratory
 Quality standard test based release order from BSTI
 Radiation Certificate from exporting country laboratory
 Radiation Certificate from Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission

Seaports
Chattogram Port, located in the southeastern part of the country, is the largest port. Located in the
southern region, Mongla Port and Payra Port, serve as important hubs for trade and transportation of
goods in and out of southern Bangladesh. In 2023, Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) handled 118
million metric tons (MT) of products through cargo shipments and 3 million twenty-foot equivalent
units (TEUs) containers. The National Board of Revenue reported that the average time required for
import clearance through the Chattogram Port is 7 days, 7 hours, and 58 minutes (minimum 1 day, 1
hour, and 30 minutes; maximum 19 days, 9 hours).

Tariffs and FTAs

Bangladesh Customs operates customs duties and taxes clearing process by using the Automated System
for Customs Data (ASYCUDA). Bangladesh Customs falls under the National Bureau for Revenue
(NBR), which regulates tariff structures and publishes harmonized system-based tariff rates annually
based on the national financial budget plan.

Exporters should be aware of the port and customs clearing challenges that importers face due to the
extensive documentation requirements, inaccurate valuation assessments, incorrect harmonized system
(HS) classification of goods, slow inspections, poor coordination between ports and customs, multiple
testing requirements, and additional port clearance costs.

Bangladesh follows the Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff process and NBR decides the duty
concessions and general exemptions to the applied MFN tariff rates which are published in a gazette
notification. The average MFN applied tariff rate for agricultural products is 17.9 percent. The
maximum MFN applied rate is 25 percent.
NBR imposes several types of customs duties and taxes and a combination, but not a sum, is defined as
the Total Tax Incidence (TTI) explained in the Bangladesh Trade Portal.

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Example: How to Estimate TTI
HS Code: 08081090 – Apple, Fresh, Assessable Value (AV) = $100
Duties and taxes Rate (%) Formulas Value ($)
Custom Duty (CD) 25 $AV x CD% = VCD 25
Regulatory Duty (RD) 20 $AV x RD% = VRD 20
Supplementary Duty (SD) 20 $(AV+CD+RD) x SD% = VSD 29
Value Added Tax (VAT) 15 $(AV+CD+RD+VSD) x VAT% = VVAT 26.1
Advance Income Tax (AIT) 5 $AV x AIT% = VAIT 5
Advance Tax (AT) 5 $(AV+CD+RD+VSD) x AT% = VATx 8.7
Total Tax Incidence (TTI) 113.8 $(VCD+VRD+VSD+VVAT+VAIT+VATx) 113.8
Note: Value of CD (VCD), Value of RD (VRD), Value of SD (VSD), Value of VAT (VVAT), Value of
AIT (VAIT), and Value of AT (VATx)

Bangladesh has ratified several regional trade agreements since 1975. Bangladesh has bilateral trade
agreements with India (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement), Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bhutan
(Preferential Trade Agreement), and Nepal. Bangladesh ratified its membership in the Asia-Pacific
Trade Agreement (APTA) under three frameworks trade facilitation, investment, and liberalization of
trade in services. Bangladesh is the member of D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8),
South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), SAARC Agreement on Trade in Services (SATIS), Trade
Preferential System among the Organizational of Islamic Cooperation Countries (TPS-OIC), and Bay of
Bengal Initiatives for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

SECTION IV. MARKET SECTOR STRUCTURE AND TRENDS

Food Processing
The processed food and beverage industry in Bangladesh has seen notable growth in recent years.
Increased middle-class urban consumer demand for convenience is the driving force of processed food
consumption. The processed food market is highly competitive as the domestic food industry is
expanding their investments to export to the world. Popular processed foods include snacks, ready-to-eat
meals, frozen items, drinks and beverages, and dairy products.

Food Retail
The modern retail sector, including supermarkets and convenience stores, is growing as consumers
attach more importance to appearance, ambience, comfort, and the availability of a vast range of
products. Modern retail outlets are rising in number, although contacts believe they likely only represent
3-4 percent of total urban retail market sales. These modern retail chains are striving to differentiate
themselves from wet markets by offering more varied, high-quality products, as well as convenience.
However, they also have challenges, such as cold chain capacity, food preservation and packaging, and
general transportation logistics. The growth of e-commerce is thriving in the urban food and non-food
retail market. The adoption of digital technologies and e-commerce is expected to play a crucial role in
shaping the future of the sector.

Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Sector

Bangladesh's hotel and restaurant industry has experienced growth, especially in urban areas.
Bangladesh has 46 government-licensed international chains, local hotels, and resorts, with 18 five-star,

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six four-star, and 22 three-star hotels. Most of these hotels are in Dhaka, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, and
Sylhet, catering to the business community and domestic tourists.

In 2021, Bangladesh had 436,274 hotels and restaurants of which, 80 percent were tea stalls and 15
percent were fast food shops/restaurants. The growth rate of the hotels and food service contribution to
the GDP was 5.89 percent in 2023, higher than the previous year (Economic Review, 2023). Bangladesh
has a shortage of hotels offering international standards. Challenges such as infrastructural limitations
and maintaining consistent quality standards exist, but efforts are being made to enhance the hospitality
sector's appeal. The number of domestic tourists is 15 - 20 times higher than international; therefore,
recreational opportunities, nightlife activities, and other attractions cater to the domestic audience.

The Alcohol Control Rules, 2022, have made it easier to get licenses to sell liquor in hotels, restaurants,
and other places that serve food, although alcohol sales and consumption are still strictly regulated.
Foreigners can drink at licensed bars, whereas Bangladesh citizens above the age of 21 must possess
Department of Narcotics Control’s consent to enter the bar.

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SECTION V. AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD IMPORTS

Table 1: Bangladesh: Consumer-Oriented Food Imports from the World (USD thousands)
Description 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Dairy Products 465,268 492,697 477,152 602,932 669,221
Fresh Fruit 363,027 463,133 601,727 600,714 470,164
Spices 274,407 307,694 497,031 371,099 316,016
Fresh Vegetables 218,967 207,079 278,523 226,224 202,094
Tree Nuts 26,472 32,970 49,771 86,233 53,555
Soup & Other Food Preparations 45,852 53,038 48,306 74,776 86,456
Beef & Beef Products 6,789 21,712 23,554 38,516 31,543
Processed Vegetables 27,832 23,531 21,290 27,483 25,016
Condiments & Sauces 18,122 20,113 23,047 24,978 30,461
Processed Fruit 11,698 11,992 18,075 24,096 29,405
Bakery Goods, Cereals, & Pasta 15,735 21,870 16,192 21,253 29,897
Chocolate & Cocoa Products 14,196 14,374 13,283 20,492 25,620
Coffee, Roasted and Extracts 8,882 10,706 10,671 12,842 11,045
Mfg. Tobacco 5,111 5,243 6,188 3,685 3,748
Chewing Gum & Candy 4,179 2,534 2,413 2,954 8,205
Tea 7,114 6,659 1,634 2,803 2,518
Distilled Spirits 7,878 6,477 4,853 2,446 2,830
Fruit & Vegetable Juices 2,776 2,316 1,698 2,002 2,363
Dog & Cat Food 1,377 2,031 2,492 1,635 2,351
Meat Products NESOI 1,261 1,165 1,158 1,548 2,568
Non-Alcoholic Bev. (ex. juices,
coffee, tea) 2,089 1,469 1,166 1,208 1,548
Eggs & Products 103 95 109 1,106 1,223
Beer 2,807 2,673 2,327 833 594
Nursery Products & Cut Flowers 455 731 602 793 1,055
Poultry Meat & Prods. (ex. eggs) 602 443 388 523 505
Wine & Related Products 856 666 337 336 475
Pork & Pork Products 20 11 16 23 13
Total export 1,533,876 1,713,424 2,104,004 2,153,530 2,010,489
Source: Trade Data Monitor (TDM)
Total consumer-oriented food products imports from the world increased from $1.5 billion in 2018 to $2
billion in 2022. The United States was Bangladesh’s 17th largest supplier of consumer-oriented products
in 2022. Currently, consumer-oriented products make up only one percent of total U.S. agricultural
exports to Bangladesh.

Consumer-oriented Product Prospects

Rising per-capita income, increased urbanization, increasing female labor force participation, and the
resulting lifestyle changes are augmenting the demand for processed dairy products, bakery products,
ready-made meals, confectionery, breakfast cereals, baby food, non-alcoholic beverages, sauces,
condiments, and dressings. Ingredients for the bakery sector and confectionery food industry, a growing

10
number of quick service restaurants, and e-commerce food delivery to meet the demand for Asian and
Western cuisines are driving import demand.

The five leading categories of imported food products are dairy products ($669 million), fresh fruits
($470 million), spices ($316 million), fresh vegetables ($202 million), and soup and other food
preparations ($86 million). In 2022, the top U.S. exports of consumer-oriented products were tree nuts
($3.5 million), soup and other food preparations ($2.5 million), dairy products ($1.2 million), processed
vegetables ($0.7 million), and processed fruits ($0.6 million).

Tree Nuts
Increased purchasing power combined with more health-conscious consumers has increased the demand
for tree nuts. Bangladesh imported $53 million of tree nuts in 2022, with U.S. exports reaching $3.5
million. From 2018 to 2022, U.S. tree nuts exports have increased by 179 percent. Almonds, walnuts,
and a variety of prepared, mixed, and preserved nut items made up most of these imports. India (22
percent) and Indonesia (23 percent) dominate the market for tree nuts. With changing dietary
preferences, the popularity of tree nuts is expected to increase. The total tax incidence (TTI) for almonds
and walnuts in Bangladesh ranges from 58.6 percent to 89.32 percent.

Soup and Other Food Preparations

Bangladesh imports a variety of food preparations to meet the diverse culinary preferences of
consumers. From 2018 to 2022, there has been an 88 percent increase in imports of food preparations
not elsewhere specified or included (nesoi) (HS 210690) products ($2.5 million) from the United States
to Bangladesh. Beverage concentrates, soy-based food preparations, stabilizers for milk and creamer,
and various food supplements are all encompassed within the food preparations category. Bangladesh
Customs imposes a TTI of 58.6 percent to 89.32 percent on food preparations.

Dairy Products
Bangladesh has a $3 billion dairy market. Locally produced milk (14 million MT) contributes to the
liquid milk market while imported dairy products (252 thousand MT) are used in the value-added dairy
industry. The expansion of the dairy industry is fueled by the growing middle class, expanding
urbanization, and increasing consumption demand, creating market opportunities for milk and cream
powder, whey, lactose syrup, malt extracts, and food preparations. Over the last five years, total dairy
product imports increased by 44 percent. The TTI for dairy products ranges from 37 percent to 89.32
percent.

Condiments and Sauces

The growth of restaurants focused on global cuisines have resulted in an increased need for condiments
and sauces. Imported condiments and seasonings including soy sauce, tomato ketchup, mustard flour
and meal, prepared mustard, and vinegar are sought after. The TTI for HS 2103 is 89.32 percent and
58.6 percent for HS 2209.

Processed Fruit
Processed fruit import demand, specifically dates, has steadily risen during the past five years. During
the month of Ramadan, U.S. Medjool dates are in high demand among consumers due to their large size,
texture, and consistency. The TTI for dates (HS code 08041011-29) is 58.6 percent.

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Other Products
Market demand for bakery goods, cereals, coffee, roasted and extracted (classified under HS 210111,
HS 090121), processed vegetables (mainly onion powder), and fruit and vegetable juices is growing.
Increasing consumer demand for convenience, shifting lifestyles, a preference for coffee over tea, and a
heightened health consciousness is driving demand. The demand for fruit juices is on the rise, both for
personal consumption and in the HRI sector, as consumers show a preference for imported options over
domestic products, which are perceived to be of lower quality.

SECTION VI: KEY CONTACTS AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Post Contact Information

Office of the Agricultural Affairs
Foreign Agricultural Service, Embassy of the United States
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Phone: +880255662000
E-mail: [email protected]

GOVERNMENT OF BANGLADESH
Agency Website
https://mincom.gov.bd/
Ministry of Commerce
https://www.bangladeshtradeportal.gov.bd/
Ministry of Commerce/ WTO-Cell https://mincom.gov.bd/
Ministry of Food/ Bangladesh Food Safety Authority http://www.bfsa.gov.bd/
(BFSA)
http://www.bsti.gov.bd/
Ministry of Industry/Bangladesh Standard and Testing
Bangladesh Standard Catalogue
Institute (BSTI)
https://bstibds.com/
Ministry of Science and Technology/ Bangladesh Atomic http://baec.gov.bd/
Energy Commission (BAEC)
https://nbr.gov.bd/
Ministry of Finance/ National Board of Revenue
http://www.bangladeshcustoms.gov.bd/
National Board of Revenue/ Customs House, Chattogram http://www.chc.gov.bd/
National Board of Revenue/ Customs House Dhaka http://www.dch.gov.bd/
Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) http://www.cpa.gov.bd/
Mongla Port Authority, Khulna http://www.mpa.gov.bd/
Note: Accessibility of the links may vary depending on security firewalls

BANGLADESH TRADE ASSOCIATIONS

Associations Website
http://www.fbcci-
Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries
bd.org/contactnew.php
Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industries http://www.dhakachamber.com/
Bangladesh International Chamber of Commerce https://iccbangladesh.org.bd/
Bangladesh Fresh Fruits Importers Association http://bffia.com.bd/
Bangladesh Agro-Processors Associations https://bapabd.org/

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Bangladesh Foodstuff Importers and Suppliers Association https://bafisa.com.bd/
Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association https://www.baffa-bd.org/
Customs Clearing and Forwarding Agent Association http://cnfctg.net/
The American Chamber of Commerce http://www.amchambd.org/
https://fbcci.org/web/members-
Bangladesh Fish Exporters and Importers Association
details/479
U.S.-Bangladesh Business Council us-bangladesh-business-council
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