Trade via Ctg port falls amid coronavirus fallout

Image collected
The coronavirus pandemic that's sweeping the world has taken much toll on Bangladesh's foreign trade through Chattogram port.

Import of bulk and containerised cargo fell 13.75 per cent to 87.97 lakh tonnes in February in comparison to January, according to data from the Chittagong Port Authority.

Around 5.42 lakh tonnes of bulk and containerised cargo were sent abroad in February via the port, a stop by 14.6 % from the prior month.

The amount of vessels waiting at the outer anchorage in addition has decreased: Five container vessels were found looking forward to berth yesterday as the figure was 11 on January 15.

Bangladesh imports most of its garment raw materials from China but trade with the country fell drastically because the outbreak of the virus one . 5 months ago.
 
A lot of the garment exporters kept their factories ready to go with the old stock of raw materials, said Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, chairman of the standing committee on port and shipping of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

They had to reduce the daily production time by 6 to 10 hours or keep some of the production line shut, he said. "Many small factories may need to close production if the problem does not improve soon."

The outbreak of Covid-19 in the European countries is also a matter of concern, as they are the greatest consumers of Bangladeshi apparel, he said.

"Some European buyers have already stopped placing new orders."

Representatives of several European buyers have already started postponing their preparatory meetings on sample or design approvals for the export orders of September and October, said MA Salam, first vice president of the BGMEA.

Chinese factories are gradually resuming their production and could start sending recycleables to some extent by this week, and the products would take 20 to 25 days to attain Bangladesh, Chowdhury said.

However, Salam is less worried about the arrival of recycleables from China. "Many Chinese suppliers have started taking orders for recycleables."
Source: https://www.thedailystar.net

Share this news on: