U.S. Trade in Goods with Bangladesh: 2025 Mid-Year Overview

The United States and Bangladesh continue to maintain a strong trade relationship, with goods flowing consistently across both markets. The latest data from January to July 2025 highlights both the opportunities and challenges within this partnership.

Key Trade Figures (Jan–Jul 2025)

• U.S. Exports to Bangladesh: $1.25 billion

• U.S. Imports from Bangladesh: $5.71 billion

• Trade Balance: –$4.46 billion (deficit for the U.S.)

While the U.S. consistently exports goods such as agricultural products, machinery, and chemicals to Bangladesh, the majority of imports from Bangladesh remain concentrated in ready-made garments, textiles, and footwear, which continue to drive the deficit.

Month-by-Month Trade Snapshot

• January 2025: U.S. exports reached $203.4M, while imports hit $904.3M, leaving a deficit of $700.9M.

• February 2025: Exports fell sharply to $87M, the lowest of the year so far, while imports remained steady at $789M.

• March 2025: Both exports and imports rose slightly, but the U.S. still recorded a deficit of nearly $692M.

• April 2025: Exports surged to $260.1M, the highest monthly figure, narrowing the deficit to $625.9M.

• May 2025: Imports dropped to $633.5M—the lowest since January—helping reduce the trade gap to $415.2M.

• June 2025: Imports rebounded to $835.6M, widening the deficit again to $665.6M.

• July 2025: Imports remained stable at $832.3M, with exports at $171.1M, leading to a $661.1M deficit.

Trends and Insights

1. Persistent Trade Deficit – The U.S. trade balance with Bangladesh continues to show a large deficit, driven by Bangladesh’s dominance in the apparel sector.

2. Export Fluctuations – U.S. exports show volatility, with April marking the strongest month, largely due to increased shipments of industrial and agricultural goods.

3. Import Dependency – The U.S. remains heavily dependent on Bangladesh for low-cost textile and garment imports, which form the backbone of bilateral trade.

4. Room for Diversification – There is growing scope for Bangladesh to expand exports beyond textiles, particularly in pharmaceuticals, IT services, and leather goods, while the U.S. could boost exports in energy, agriculture, and technology solutions.

Conclusion

The U.S.–Bangladesh trade relationship in 2025 continues to reflect Bangladesh’s strong export-driven economy, particularly in the textile sector. While the U.S. maintains steady exports, the widening trade deficit signals the need for greater diversification, investment partnerships, and new trade facilitation measures. Strengthening collaboration in emerging sectors could bring more balance to this important bilateral relationship.