The ongoing Middle East conflict has halted over 1,000 TEU of weekly exports from Chattogram Port, impacting various industries and raising costs.
The Middle East conflict has halted more than 1,000 TEU of weekly exports from Chattogram Port after shipping lines suspended bookings, reports Dhaka's Business Standard.
Containers carrying potatoes, agri-produce, frozen foods, and garments are stranded at inland container depots as exporters absorb rising storage and plugging charges. A 28-tonne potato consignment bound for Dubai was among the first shipments disrupted when carriers stopped accepting bookings.
Mohammad Forkan of SR Impex Ltd stated that exporters now face mounting costs while waiting for routes to reopen. He noted that weekly shipments of 450 tonnes of potatoes, 450 tonnes of agri and food products, and nearly 300 tonnes of frozen foods, worth about US$17 million, are affected.
Garment exporters warned that the disruption could hit the crucial Eid shopping season in the Middle East. Abdus Salam mentioned that buyers' showrooms remain empty while workers expect bonuses and salaries, creating severe pressure on the industry.
MSC Shipping confirmed it suspended bookings, affecting 800 to 1,200 TEU weekly. Other carriers, including Maersk and Cosco, have restricted services through the Strait of Hormuz, citing security risks.
The crisis has also pushed up freight costs from China, Bangladesh's main source of raw materials. Industry officials reported that container rates have risen by US$300 to US$500, adding further strain to importers already facing supply chain disruption.
