BD-Myanmar border trade drops to about 10pc of previous year

The government's revenue through the Teknaf Land Port between Bangladesh and Myanmar has been remaining curbed with current trade operations only at around 10 per cent of the capacity compared to last year amid ongoing conflict in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

In the first nine months of FY25, the government earned a total of about Tk 1.1 billion in revenue from exports through the land port, confirmed Teknaf Land Port Customs Officer Mahabub Rahman.

He said that export earnings through the port in May this year amounted to US$ 310,812 equivalent to approximately Tk 38.1 million.

From June 1 to June 15, export revenue reached US$270,024.40, equivalent to approximately Tk 33.1 million.

During the same period, customs authorities collected Tk 8.25 million in import-related revenue, he also said. According to port sources, no goods are currently being imported directly from Yangon, Myanmar.

However, a limited quantity of timber is being imported from Rakhine State. On the other hand, Bangladesh is exporting various consumer products, including soft drinks and biscuits. Stakeholders said that although the Arakan Army is not imposing direct restrictions in the Naf River area, the overall situation has not yet fully stabilised. Due to security concerns and uncertainty, only a limited number of traders are continuing business operations. Consequently, import activities have declined significantly compared to previous levels. The crisis has further exacerbated because most traders' business networks and investments remain centered in Yangon.

Ehteshamul Haque Bahadur, president of the Teknaf Land Port C&F Agents Association, said that although border trade resumed after a prolonged closure, it has not yet returned to normal. While exports from Bangladesh have become somewhat active, imports from Myanmar remain very limited. In particular, only small quantities of timber are being imported from Rakhine State.

He added that many traders have not yet been able to fully resume business due to security risks and ongoing uncertainty. Furthermore, a substantial amount of money belonging to port-related businesses remains stuck in Yangon. Previously, most imported goods came from Yangon, whereas current trade is largely confined to Rakhine State and conducted on a limited scale.

Jasim Uddin Chowdhury, manager of Teknaf Land Port, said that port operations have continued over the past two months since border trade resumed.

However, commercial activities have declined sharply and are now operating at only about 10 per cent of previous levels.

He said traders have reported that obstacles related to the Arakan Army have not been completely resolved. Nevertheless, timber is being imported from Myanmar and various products exported from Bangladesh through small boats. Previously, goods were transported in large cargo vessels, but trade is now limited to smaller boats carrying reduced volumes. He expressed hope that import and export activities would increase once the situation improves.

According to the customs official, export earnings currently exceed import volumes in border trade through Teknaf Land Port. However, stakeholders remain hopeful that trade activities will return to normal once the overall situation improves.

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