United News of Bangladesh

China's exports rose 8.1% in April from the year before, much more than economists were expecting, in the tail end of a rush by companies and consumers to beat higher U.S. tariffs that took effect last month. Most forecasts were that exports in April would grow about 2%, down from a whopping 12.4% year-on-year increase in March. Imports fell 0.2% in April from the year before. China’s politically sensitive trade surplus with the United States was nearly $20.5 billion in April. Exports to the United States form just a part of China's total exports, and trade with the rest of the world has remained resilient. Preliminary data also show that U.S. imports from other countries not subject to U.S. President Donald Trump's 145% tariff on Chinese products are rising quickly. China’s exports to other countries and regions rose at a robust pace in the first four months of the year. Exports to Southeast Asian countries were up 11.5% from a year earlier. Exports to Latin America also climbed 11.5%. Shipments to India jumped nearly 16% by value, and exports to Africa surged 15%. China launches a blitz of policies to help its economy, plans talks with the US on trade In the first four months of the year, exports to the United States were down 2.5% from a year earlier, while imports from the U.S. fell 4.7%. But figures for the beginning of 2025 show the tariffs and other measures related to Trump's trade war are having an impact. Measured on a monthly basis, in April China's total exports rose just 0.6% from March, while imports increased by nearly 4%.

Zannatul Hoque Shapla, CEO of Azure Cuisine and a candidate for the Board of Directors (2025–2027) of the e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB), pledged to ensure equal opportunities and rights for all entrepreneurs in the country’s e-commerce sector. Speaking at a discussion with ICT journalists on Thursday at the Lakeshore Hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka, she emphasised her longstanding commitment to the industry. "I have been actively involved in e-commerce for many years, though I did not have the opportunity to step into the spotlight until now, she stated. My goal is to ensure that every entrepreneur can operate their business with confidence, to help restore consumer trust, and to enhance the global branding of Bangladeshi e-commerce," she said. Highlighting the importance of empowering women entrepreneurs, Shapla said through her platform, Soilir Chowa, she has provided small-scale investments and training to 100 women to help them build expertise in e-commerce and f-commerce. She said she aims to expand this initiative further, supporting women in establishing their presence in international markets. Shapla outlined several key priorities for implementation: creating a safe and secure environment for entrepreneurs to conduct business, restoring consumer confidence, promoting fair competition, Modernising logistics and digital payment systems, establishing member support and capacity-building centres, launching startup funding opportunities and collaborating with the government to formulate e-commerce-friendly policies. The e-CAB election for the 2025–2027 term will be held on 31 May. A total of 36 candidates are contesting for 11 director positions.

Dubai International Chamber, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has announced the launch of a new international representative office in Dhaka to further strengthen trade and investment relations between the business communities in Dubai and Bangladesh. The opening of the new office increases the chamber’s network of international representative offices to 35 worldwide. This expansion is part of the ‘Dubai Global’ initiative which seeks to establish 50 international representative offices by 2030 and aims to reinforce Dubai’s position as a leading global business hub by attracting foreign direct investment and supporting the international expansion of local companies into 30 priority markets across the globe. The new office was officially inaugurated during a ceremony in Dhaka which was attended by Abdulla Ali Abdulla Alhmoudi, ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Bangladesh, together with a significant gathering of representatives from the Bangladeshi business community. Lutfey Siddiqi, the chief adviser's special envoy for International affairs was present in the opening ceremony as the Chief Guest. Top global port operators tapped to boost Bangladesh’s infrastructure: BIDA chief The launch comes at a time of growing economic cooperation between Dubai and Bangladesh. Non-oil trade between the two markets reached a value of $ 1.71 billion in 2024, representing a year-over-year growth of nine percent compared to the $ 1.58 billion recorded in 2023. Commenting on the opening, Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, president and CEO of Dubai Chambers, said, “Bangladesh is a dynamic and fast-growing market that offers significant opportunities for Dubai-based companies. The launch of our new office in Dhaka represents a major step forward in strengthening the economic partnership between our markets that will play a key role in building connections between businesses, facilitating trade relations, and attracting investment – all of which contribute to consolidating Dubai’s position as a leading global business hub. We are confident that this office will open up new horizons for fruitful economic cooperation.”

Exhibitions on latest innovation on medical equipment, health tourism, food and agro kicked off in the capital on Thursday. CEMS Global organised 

Top international port operators are being brought in to enhance the efficiency and optimal use of Bangladesh’s land and port capacities, said Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA). He said this while briefing reporters after inspecting Chittagong Port’s operational activities, Laldiar Char Terminal and Bay Terminal project on Thursday. The BIDA chairman said many ports across the world are operated by leading global operators without compromising their security, Bangladesh can do the same. “To increase investment and create employment, it is significant to expand and strengthen port operations,” Ashik Chowdhury said, adding that the port and land capabilities of the country will increase several times if the top global operators run those.  Container handling at Ctg Port up 9% in Aug-October: CPA Chairman Assuring of no safety threats if the foreign operators run the ports, he said, "Our goal is to make Bangladesh a manufacturing hub and for that enhancing port capacity is essential,” said the BIDA chairman. Regarding the Bay Terminal, he informed that two foreign firms are set to invest around $ 2 billion in phases which will create huge employment opportunities. “Once operational by 2030, the Bay Terminal is expected to bring a major economic transformation across the region,” he hoped. Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman, chairman of Chittagong Port Authority, said the Bay Terminal will be able to accommodate large container vessels (mother vessels) directly and is expected to provide direct employment for 25,000 people alongside creating opportunities for over 100,000 others. Patenga Container Terminal set to open in June: CPA Chairman   Earlier in the day, the BEZA chairman exchanged views with local business leaders at a hotel and later held a press conference at the Circuit House where he shared the future of port operations and development plans.

After a steep fall triggered by tensions between India and Pakistan, the stock markets in Dhaka and Chattogram bounced back strongly on Thursday, the final trading day of the week, with the majority of shares recording price gains. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark index DSEX surged by 99 points, marking a 2 per cent rise compared to the previous session. The other two indices also posted gains: the Shariah-compliant DSES rose by 26 points, while the blue-chip index DS30 climbed by 27 points. On the day, the DSES gained 2.50 per cent and the DS30 increased by 1.50 per cent. Out of 394 companies traded at the DSE, share prices increased for 377, while only 10 saw a decline. The prices of seven companies remained unchanged. All three categories—A, B and Z—witnessed upward price movements. Besides, all 36 traded mutual funds recorded price increases. In the DSE block market, shares worth Tk 12.82 crore were traded from 28 companies. Midland Bank and Lovello led the trades, each selling shares worth Tk 1.90 crore. Total turnover at the DSE stood at Tk 366 crore, compared to Tk 516 crore in the previous session. Brokerage firms attributed the lower turnover to reduced selling pressure. IFC, Renata PLC partner to boost Bangladesh's pharmaceutical industry Among the top performers, NRBC Bank led the Dhaka market with a 9.86 per cent rise in share price, while Meghna Condensed Milk Limited saw the steepest drop, declining by 5.91 per cent. Strong Recovery Also in Chattogram The Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) also experienced a significant rebound, with its overall index increasing by 113 points. Out of 189 companies traded, 129 saw price gains, 45 declined and 15 remained unchanged. The total turnover at the CSE crossed Tk 21 crore. Deshbandhu Polymer, Crown Cement and NRBC Bank were the top performers at the CSE, each recording a 10 per cent increase. On the other hand, Eastern Insurance Company suffered a 10 per cent decline, placing it at the bottom of the day's chart.  

In a landmark move to strengthen access to affordable and quality medicines, improve public health, and support economic growth, International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, committed a $58 million long-term loan to Renata PLC, a leading pharmaceutical company in Bangladesh. This financing will help address the company’s critical working capital needs, offering essential liquidity support amid limited US dollar financing availability. IFC aims to bolster the country’s pharmaceutical sector and its capacity to deliver essential healthcare products. Bangladesh's pharmaceutical industry is rapidly growing, meeting 98% of local demand and expanding its global footprint. However, reliance on imported Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) can present challenges. IFC’s investment will help Renata secure these materials, enhancing the industry’s ability to provide uninterrupted access to critical medicines. Syed S Kaiser Kabir, CEO & Managing Director of Renata PLC said, “In the context of USD liquidity constraints, the ongoing risk of further devaluation of BDT vs USD and the ever-increasing cost of financing in Bangladesh, the IFC commitment to Renata will bring significant stability to our supply chain and support cost-effective manufacturing.”  Prof Yunus welcomes investment proposals from UAE in various sectors The sector is a key driver of Bangladesh’s economy, with growing contributions through exports and skilled employment. IFC Regional Director for South Asia Imad N Fakhoury said IFC’s partnership with Renata will drive crucial growth and create jobs in Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry. “By supporting Renata's operations, we aim to help them maintain a robust supply chain and develop and register new products in international markets to ensure the availability of essential medicines. The partnership will bolster the competitiveness of Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical sector and solidify the country's standing in the international generics industry,” Fakhoury said. IFC is committed to supporting private sector growth in Bangladesh, particularly in sectors critical to health, employment and exports. This partnership with Renata reflects IFC’s strategic goal of driving sustainable growth and expanding Bangladesh’s impact in global markets.

The Bank of England is widely expected to look past near-term inflationary pressures in the British economy and opt to cut interest rates on Thursday as a result of the potential shock to growth emanating from the tariff policies of the Trump administration. Most economists believe it's a near-certainty that the nine-member Monetary Policy Committee will sanction a quarter-point reduction in the bank's main interest rate, to 4.25%. The decision is to be announced at 12:02 p.m., two minutes later than usual as a result of the two-minute silence for Victory in Europe Day. There's some speculation that some members may opt for an even bigger half-point cut. Economists are going to be particularly interested in the bank's accompanying economic forecasts as they will be the first since U.S. President Donald Trump made his tariff announcement in early April. Though most tariffs were paused for 90 days following the ensuing market turmoil, including the 10% baseline tariff applied to U.K. goods entering the United States, the backdrop for the global economy remain highly uncertains. Stocks rebound sharply after 150-point plunge in previous session    “With U.S. trade policy presenting a new demand shock, there have been early signs that the MPC is willing to adopt a more proactive approach to loosening policy,” said Edward Allenby, U.K. economist at Oxford Economics. The forecasts, particularly those regarding growth and inflation, will provide a steer as to whether a more proactive approach is likely. Since it started cutting interest rates in August 2024 from the 16-year high of 5.25%, the MPC has been consistent in lowering borrowing costs every three months. The imposition of U.S. tariffs on British goods, and the potential for a wider global trade war, has the potential to weigh on growth as well as oil prices, which would consequently depress price pressures by lowering demand. Though U.K inflation stands at 2.6% and could well hit double the bank’s target rate of 2% in coming months as a result of a raft of price increases in April, such as domestic energy and water bills, economists think rate-setters will opt for a cut, given the anticipated slowdown. Unlike the Bank of England, and the European Central Bank, which last month cut interest rates too, the U.S. Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged Wednesday as its policymakers wait to see how Trump’s tariffs affect the U.S. economy before making any moves. Inflation rates around the world are way down from levels seen a couple of years ago, partly because central banks dramatically increased borrowing costs from the near zero rates during the coronavirus pandemic. Prices then began to shoot up, first as a result of supply chain issues and later because of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which pushed energy costs higher. As inflation rates have declined from multidecade highs, central banks, including the Fed, have started cutting interest rates, though few, if any, economists think that rates will fall back to the super-low levels that persisted in the years after the global financial crisis of 2008-2009 and during the pandemic.        

Trading on both the Dhaka and Chattogram stock exchanges rebounded strongly on Thursday, the last working day of the week, following a steep 150-point fall in the previous session. The majority of listed companies saw a rise in share prices, signalling renewed investor confidence. In the first two hours of trading, the benchmark DSEX index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) gained 89 points. Among the other two indices, the Shariah-based DSES advanced by 25 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index rose by 22 points. Share prices increased for most of the companies traded. Out of 389 companies, prices of 368 rose, while only 9 declined and 12 remained unchanged. During the first half of the session, shares and units worth over Tk 150 crore were traded on the Dhaka bourse. Bangladesh’s PMI drops 8.8 points in April, settles at 52.9 Similar upward momentum was observed in the Chattogram Stock Exchange (CSE) as well. The overall index of the CSE gained 66 points. Out of the 127 companies that traded in the first half of the day, prices of 80 rose, 31 fell, and 16 remained unchanged. The value of traded shares and units exceeded Tk 12.90 crore.

Bangladesh's overall Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) score in April saw a decrease of 8.8 points from March to reach 52.9. Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Dhaka, and Policy Exchange Bangladesh (PEB) released the Bangladesh Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) April report. The PMI is a pioneering initiative that aims to offer timely and accurate insights into the country's economic health to help businesses, investors and policymakers make informed decisions. It was developed by MCCI and Policy Exchange, with support from the UK Government and technical assistance from the Singapore Institute of Purchasing & Materials Management (SIPMM). The April reading of Bangladesh's PMI dropped by 8.8 points from March, indicating a slower expansion at 52.9. This latest PMI reading was attributed to a slower rate of expansion in the manufacturing, construction and services sectors, whereas the agriculture sector posted a faster expansion. The agriculture sector recorded its 7th consecutive month of expansion, with faster growth in the indexes of new business and business activity, while the input costs index showed a slower expansion. The employment index returned to an expansion, and the order backlogs index showed a slower contraction. Foxconn-backed Foxtron to build EVs for Mitsubishi Motors The manufacturing sector posted its 8th month of expansion, though at a slower rate. Most indexes showed expansion, except the order backlogs index, which posted a faster contraction and has now seen nine straight months of decline. The construction sector recorded its 5th consecutive month of expansion, but also at a slower pace. The indexes for new business, employment, and input costs posted slower expansion, while the construction activity index reverted to an expansion. The order backlogs index showed a faster contraction. The services sector marked its 7th month of expansion, though again at a slower rate. Slower growth was seen in new business, employment, and input costs, while business activity reverted to contraction. The order backlogs index posted a faster contraction. For the future business index, faster expansion rates were recorded in the manufacturing and construction sectors, while agriculture saw a slower expansion. The services index reverted to an expansion. “The latest PMI readings indicate continued expansion in all key sectors, but at a slower rate. The April PMI is also the lowest since October 2025, when the expansion track commenced. Long stretches of public holidays leading to business closures, early effects of the Trump tariff on apparel production, and energy supply hurdles are likely causes of the slower dynamism,” said Dr M Masrur Reaz, Chairman and CEO, Policy Exchange Bangladesh.