Bangladesh’s imports from India rose 13.9% to $10.96 billion in FY26, despite restrictions imposed on several trade routes and land-border shipments between the two countries. The import bill increased from $9.62 billion in the previous fiscal year, according to Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue data.
The increase highlights the continued strength of demand for Indian goods, particularly cotton, yarn and other textile inputs used by Bangladesh’s large garment industry. Restrictions on the movement of Indian yarn through land ports resulted in more cargo being routed through Chattogram seaport, allowing supplies to continue reaching manufacturers.
Bangladesh’s exports to India, meanwhile, remained largely flat at around $1.75 billion, leaving the country with a bilateral trade deficit of more than $9.2 billion. India therefore supplied more than six times the value of goods Bangladesh exported to the Indian market.
The figures indicate that trade restrictions have done little to reduce Bangladesh’s dependence on Indian inputs. Industry groups have called for renewed bilateral discussions to address transport bottlenecks and strengthen supply-chain links between the two neighbouring economies.