Bangladesh: 1HFY13-14 cement exports fall

The Bangladesh cement industry saw its exports dip 6.64 per cent from July to December 2013. According to the Bangladesh Export Promotion Bureau, the sector exported US$2.53m of cement, down from US$2.71m during the equivalent period in 2012.

The retreat of exports has been atrributed to political unrest and poor handling of clinker and other raw materials in Chittagong Port in recent months. Imports of clinker into Bangladesh fell 3.38 per cent in FY12-13 (July 2012-July 2013) to US$487m, according to Central Bank figures.

In addition, reduced demand from India contributed to the lower figure. In FY2012-13 Bangladesh exported US$6.15m to its neighbour, using the same amount as target for this year.