Bangladesh’s export and import activities have slowed sharply following a joint U.S.-Israel attack on Iran that disrupted global oil supply chains. The instability has begun to affect operations at Chattogram Port and Customs, raising concerns over revenue collection and overall economic performance. Despite maintaining growth in the first nine months of the fiscal year, the final quarter has seen declining export volumes and reduced port activity.

Data from Chattogram Port show container handling rose 4.75 percent and bulk cargo 7.39 percent year-on-year in the first nine months, but exports have fallen steadily since January. Export container shipments dropped from 79,000 TEUs in January to 60,000 in March. Chattogram Customs collected Tk 58,432 crore in revenue during the same period, well short of its Tk 1 trillion annual target. Officials attribute the slowdown to the Middle East conflict’s impact on trade and energy supply.

Industry leaders warn that continued fuel shortages and uncertainty over government energy policy could further delay new export orders. They urge the government to outline and implement a clear plan to manage the energy crisis and inflation risks.