Despite record remittance inflows in March amid the Iran–Israel–US war, Bangladesh’s goods exports, another major source of foreign currency earnings, have continued to lag for several months. In March alone, exports declined by nearly 20 per cent.

Exporters across various sectors cite a shortened production period due to the recent Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, which reduced the number of working days in factories by 8–10. Consequently, fewer goods reached ports for shipment.

Additionally, they said, since the implementation of the United States’ reciprocal tariffs last year, purchase orders from the US have fallen. European markets have similarly seen a reduction in orders, as Chinese exporters, seeking to avoid higher US tariffs, offer lower prices to European buyers while taking larger orders, indirectly limiting Bangladesh’s export volume.