Bangladesh is set to nearly double its wheat imports in the fiscal year 2025-26, as growing demand outpaces domestic production and global supply challenges persist.
The decision comes amid a sharp rise in wheat consumption across urban and semi-urban areas, driven by increased demand for bread, noodles, biscuits, and other wheat-based products. While national wheat requirements now exceed 7 million tonnes annually, local production remains stuck at just 1.1 million tonnes.
According to a recent Food Planning and Monitoring Committee document, the interim government has planned to import around 800,000 metric tonnes of wheat in the current fiscal year—almost double the 466,000 tonnes imported by the government last year.
With no significant local procurement options available in recent years, the country has grown increasingly reliant on foreign supplies. This year’s import plan will be adjusted in line with distribution targets and reserve requirements, the report added.
Procurement is already underway, with tenders floated for 100,000 tonnes and a deal in progress to bring in 220,000 tonnes from the United States.
On Sunday, Bangladesh signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States to import 700,000 tonnes of high-quality wheat annually at competitive prices. This marks a significant shift in sourcing strategy, as the country looks to diversify away from traditional suppliers like Russia, Ukraine, India, Canada, and Australia.
Wheat imports from Ukraine have dropped significantly since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, pushing Bangladeshi importers to seek more stable alternatives. Although Russia and India remain primary suppliers, India's periodic export bans have made the market increasingly volatile.
To cushion against market fluctuations, the government has slashed import duties to encourage private sector participation and boost food security. The state-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh has also ramped up procurement efforts to build national reserves.
However, risks remain. Officials warn that global price volatility, disruptions to shipping routes, and currency instability could threaten the government's ability to maintain a steady supply.
Bangladesh Bank data shows the country imported approximately $635.8 million worth of wheat in fiscal year 2023-24. The push for US wheat also aligns with broader trade interests, as Bangladesh seeks to balance out the impact of the recent 35% tariff imposed by the Trump administration on its exports.
Negotiations are ongoing for bulk imports of premium US wheat varieties such as Hard Red Winter and Soft Red Winter, with the government considering further tariff reductions to support increased imports through private channels.
