The World Trade Organization (WTO) has described recent discussions on trade tensions as “constructive” following China’s strong condemnation of U.S. tariffs. Beijing accused Washington of imposing a blanket 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, warning that such actions could destabilize global trade. In retaliation, China imposed its own tariffs and lodged a formal complaint with the WTO. Representatives from six nations expressed concern over the escalating trade dispute, urging both sides to exercise restraint. The Chinese ambassador to the WTO warned that U.S. policies could lead to economic instability and recession, while the U.S. countered with accusations against China. Despite Trump’s history of withdrawing from international organizations, the U.S. has yet to decide on its stance regarding the WTO.

A shipment of 52,500 tons of wheat from Argentina has arrived at Chattogram port via the MV Indido Omega vessel. The Ministry of Food confirmed the arrival in a press release on Thursday, stating that the wheat was imported through an open tender process. Sample testing of the wheat will be conducted before the unloading process begins. Earlier, on February 5, Bangladesh had received another shipment of 50,200 metric tons of wheat.

Following a request from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the court has ordered the freezing of shares worth 5,109 crore Taka belonging to the S. Alam family.

Bangladesh has resumed full electricity imports from India’s Adani Power after previously reducing supply due to disputes over the 1,600 MW power plant agreement. According to a Reuters report on Tuesday, the contract, signed in 2017 under the then Sheikh Hasina-led government, was a 25-year deal with Adani Power. Since then, Bangladesh has been importing electricity from Adani’s $2 billion power plant in Jharkhand. The plant, consisting of two 800 MW units, enjoys an exclusive supply deal with Bangladesh.

Under the interim government, Bangladesh has prioritized economic interests by strengthening trade ties with Pakistan, a stark contrast to the strained trade policies during the Hasina administration. Meanwhile, imports from India have significantly decreased, while exports to Pakistan have risen. However, Bangladesh still imports far more from both nations than it exports. From July to December, Bangladesh imported 12.47 million metric tons of goods from India, costing BDT 661.6 billion, while exports to India amounted to BDT 115.77 billion. In the same period, exports to Pakistan totaled BDT 4.75 billion, while imports stood at 1.08 million metric tons, costing BDT 53.56 billion.

After years of losses, discussions have resumed on reopening state-run sugar mills under joint management. Despite a consortium being formed in 2019, political interference caused Japan, Thailand, and UAE investors to withdraw. A comprehensive feasibility study was completed in 2021, and a committee was formed under the then-additional secretary of the Ministry of Industry to review partnership terms. While investors proposed a fully state-owned model, the government opted for a joint ownership structure. Amid political shifts, investors have now expressed renewed interest through official communications.

For the first time in two decades, a shipment of molasses from Pakistan has arrived at Mongla Port, following India’s decision to impose a 50% export duty hike. On Thursday, the Panama-flagged vessel 'MT Dolphin' entered Mongla Port carrying 550 metric tons of molasses from Karachi. The ship had departed from Karachi Port on January 22 and anchored at Jetty No. 8 in Mongla. Business representatives explained that, due to India’s tariff increase, they have turned to Pakistan for imports, which has proven to be more cost-effective. Compared to previous costs, importers are now saving 4-5 Bangladeshi Taka per kilogram. Welcoming the development, Mongla Port Authority official Shariful Sarkar stated that this new import trend further enhances the port’s capacity and significance.

Importers from Lalmonirhat have stopped importing goods through India’s Changrabandha land port since February 1, following disputes over stone export prices. As a result, the government has suffered a revenue loss of 20 million BDT. Since August 5, Bangladesh’s construction sector has slowed, leading to a drop in demand. Importers had requested exporters to lower prices, but after receiving no response, they decided to suspend stone imports indefinitely. This has resulted in a complete halt of imports and exports through Changrabandha port since February 2. Fifty Bangladesh-bound cargo trucks are stuck at the port, while over 500 trucks from Bhutan are stranded at Indian ports. Allegations have surfaced that India halted exports without prior notice.