EuroCham urges swift resumption of Ctg port operations
The European Union Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham Bangladesh) today urged the immediate resumption of operations at Chattogram Port, warning that prolonged disruptions are causing severe economic losses, threatening exports and undermining supply chain confidence. In a statement, European Union Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham Bangladesh) expressed grave concern over the near-standstill at Chattogram Port, which handles more than 90 percent of the country's international trade and serves as the principal gateway for export-oriented industries, said a EuroCham's press reels here today.
Under normal conditions, the port moves around 2,000 to 2,500 export containers daily. However, the release said, recent work stoppages have almost completely halted operations, leaving export consignments and container movements in limbo. EuroCham said its members and European brands sourcing from Bangladesh are increasingly alarmed as export schedules collapse, delivery windows are missed and additional logistics costs mount.
It estimated that export goods worth around US$660 million, equivalent to nearly Tk 80 billion, are currently stuck in approximately 13,000 containers at port facilities, private inland depots and vessels unable to berth or depart. Stressing the wider implications, EuroCham Bangladesh said predictable, uninterrupted and efficient port operations are vital to safeguarding export performance, protecting millions of jobs supported by overseas demand and maintaining Bangladesh's reputation as a reliable sourcing destination for European and global markets.
The chamber urged all relevant stakeholders to take immediate steps to fully resume normal port operations, resolve ongoing disputes through constructive dialogue in a manner that safeguards national economic interests, and advance port modernisation initiatives to enhance efficiency, reliability, competitiveness and predictability. EuroCham Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to supporting business growth and strengthening Bangladesh's trade infrastructure, saying it stands ready to engage constructively with authorities and stakeholders to help ensure a stable, efficient and future-ready port system.
According to available data, Chattogram Port handled more than 831,000 export container units valued at US$42.3 billion in fiscal year 2024-25, while textiles and ready-made garments account for around 80 percent of Bangladesh's total exports, making the country the world's second-largest garment exporter.
