Trade deficit shrinks by 4.24% in first 11 months of FY25

In the first eleven months of the outgoing 2024–2025 fiscal year, Bangladesh has seen not only a drop in trade deficit but also an improvement in the Balance of Payments (BoP).

During this period, the trade deficit stood at $19.38 billion, nearly 4.24 per cent lower than the $20.24 billion recorded in the same period of the previous fiscal year.

This marks a decrease of over $840 million in one year.

As per the latest data released by Bangladesh Bank on Sunday, the country exported goods and services worth nearly $40.87 billion in the first 11 months of FY 2024–2025.

In the same period last year, export earnings were $37.34 billion, showing a growth of approximately 9.45 per cent.

From July to May of FY2025, imports rose to $60.34 billion, compared with $57.57 billion last year. It marks an increase of around 4.80 per cent.

CURRENT ACCOUNT

The current account deficit also narrowed sharply during the 11 months of the current fiscal year, reaching $432 million, compared with $6.11 billion year-on-year.

The current account reflects a country's routine external transactions, including import, export and other recurring earnings and expenses.

A surplus helps reduce dependence on foreign loans, while a deficit signals external financing pressure.

FINANCIAL ACCOUNT

The financial account recorded a $2.66 billion surplus from July–May, compared with $20.7 billion in the same period last year.

The account tracks flows from remittances, foreign loans and grants, direct investments, and portfolio investments.