Chittagong Port set a new record with 3.4 million TEU in 2025, despite challenges in exports and imports due to market fluctuations.
Chittagong Port achieved a record milestone by handling 3.4 million TEU in 2025, marking a four percent increase year on year, according to reports from Dhaka's Bonik Barta.
Official data indicates that the port moved 3,402,762 TEU by December 30, surpassing the previous record of 3,275,627 TEU set in 2024. Overall cargo volumes rose to 137.8 million tonnes, an 11 percent increase, driven primarily by bulk cargo, including raw materials, fuel oil, and consumer goods.
Port Director Omar Faruk stated that this milestone was reached just a day before the year-end, with December 31 contributing an additional 8,000 TEU. He highlighted that vessel berthing times have decreased to nearly zero, significantly reducing idle time and saving foreign exchange.
However, despite this record achievement, container volumes experienced a decline for four consecutive months from August to November. Exports fell from 88,408 TEU in August to 71,117 TEU in October, while imports decreased from 169,983 TEU in August to 146,246 TEU in October.
Traders attributed this decline to weaker Christmas demand, a slump in domestic industrial sales, and tariff issues. Salim Rahman of KDS Group warned that the impending graduation from LDC status poses additional challenges for exporters.
Importers pointed to declining sales in steel and cement, a reluctance to take risks, and difficulties in opening letters of credit due to dollar shortages. Alamgir Kabir from Crown Cement noted that foreign banks often require additional confirmation of letters of credit, creating structural hurdles that continue to hinder import activity.
