Overall imports through Chattogram port fell in November, although the arrival of Ramadan-focused consumer goods increased significantly during that month.
According to Chattogram port data, total imports in November stood at 10,728,138 tonnes, down from 11,646,225 tonnes in October, indicating a decrease of 7.88 per cent.
However, imports rose year-on-year. In November 2024, total imports amounted to 9,916,179 tonnes. Accordingly, imports in November this year increased by 811,959 tonnes tons, or 7.59 per cent.
Despite the monthly decline, imports of Ramadan-related essentials surged in November. Several items saw more than double the import volumes registered in October.
Data from the Plant Quarantine Station at Chattogram port show that 42,343 tonnes of chickpeas, one of the most important Ramadan commodities, were imported in November compared to only 5,177 tonnes in October.
Between July and September, monthly chickpea imports remained below 1,000 tonnes.
Importers said chickpea imports traditionally rise ahead of Ramadan. So, they expect monthly imports to exceed 100,000 tonnes in December and January, as was the case in January, when 113,304 tonnes entered the country.
According to Plant Quarantine data, Bangladesh imported 226,076 tonnes of chickpeas in FY25 and 150,832 tonnes in FY24.
Ramadan is expected to begin on February 17 in 2026, subject to the moon sighting. Importers typically begin the formalities, including obtaining import permits and opening letters of credit (LC), about three months ahead.
As a result, imports will likely peak between December and January.
Mohammad Amirul Haque, managing director of Delta Agro Food, told TIMES that overall imports may have declined in November due to existing stocks.
However, the import of Ramadan-focused goods is proceeding normally.
He said Bangladesh Bank has already held meetings with importers to ensure stable supply and smooth LC opening ahead of Ramadan.
“There is no complication in opening LCs. Banks are issuing LCs as expected. As a result, imports of Ramadan essentials will remain stable compared to previous years,” he said.
Imports of dates, another major Ramadan commodity, also increased.
In November, 3,242 tonnes of dates arrived through Chattogram port, up from 2,365 tonnes in October. Imports amounted to 1,804 tonnes in September, 279 tonnes in August, and 193 tonnes in July.
A total of 73,055 tonnes of dates were imported in FY25, compared with 79,329 tonnes in FY24.
Dr Mohammad Shah Alam, deputy director of the Plant Quarantine Station at Chattogram port, said the government is issuing import permits for Ramadan essentials without delay.
“There is no limit on the quantity of Ramadan goods for import. We are approving import applications immediately, and clearance is being given as soon as the products arrive at the port,” he added.
In November, imports of several other Ramadan-related products, such as lentils, soybean seeds and garlic, also rose.
