India has overtaken the United States to become Bangladesh’s second-largest trading partner, marking a significant shift in regional trade dynamics and economic influence in South Asia.
India accounted for 8.47% of Bangladesh’s total trade in February, valued at approximately $1.01 billion, narrowly surpassing the United States, which held an 8.46% share worth about $1.009 billion, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. The development highlights India’s growing role in Bangladesh’s regional trade network and Dhaka’s increasing reliance on imports from neighboring markets.
The narrow margin reflects Bangladesh’s growing trade dependence on regional imports, particularly from India, which has steadily expanded its role in supplying goods ranging from raw materials and industrial products to food and consumer items.
Economists say the development highlights strengthening economic connectivity between the two neighboring countries, supported by geographic proximity, improving transport links, and expanding bilateral trade cooperation.
The United States, however, remains one of Bangladesh’s most important export destinations, especially for garments and textile products, while India continues to dominate regional import flows into the Bangladeshi market.
