Bangladesh’s major export sectors have been affected by the Coronavirus (COVID 19). Nearly 60 per cent fabrics of Bangladesh’s woven sub-sector are imported from China. Some 15 to 20 per cent raw materials and 80 to 85 per cent dyeing chemicals and accessories of the knitwear sector come from China. The supply chain of these items is already facing disruption. Each month Bangladesh imports some 200 containers of cosmetics and toiletries from China. Due to the virus outbreak import and shipment of these items have been suspended. Bangladesh also imports machinery and spare parts of the electrical merchandise manufacturing industry from China.

Other exports from China to Bangladesh consist of raw materials for the printing industry, containers of medical instruments and hospital equipment, raw materials and ready products of the eyewear industry, computer and computer accessories. Due to the supply chain disruption prices of raw materials, equipments, and accessories in Bangladesh have already started to go up.

Due to the virus outbreak both the domestic and export trade of China has come to a standstill. China is a top sourcing partner for Bangladesh. Any long lasting supply chain disruption with China can have a catastrophic impact on Bangladesh’s economy.