International sanctions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are disrupting Bangladesh’s exports of key products such as ready-made garments. Port authorities in other countries have offloading containers filled with Bangladeshi-made apparel products or other export items bound for Russia, says Jashim Uddin, President, Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The federation exports products worth nearly $700 million every year, he adds.

Many international chains with shops in Russia have also cancelled orders for Bangladesh-made apparel products, he adds. Bangladesh mainly exports apparel, jute, leather, home textiles and ceramic products to Russia. On the other hand, it imports Russian-made capital machinery, fresh and dried fruit and raw sugar, etc. Bilateral trade between the two countries had been rising since the 2018-19 fiscal year. However, the recent sanctions have made trade with Russia difficult and uncertain, says Rajiv Chowdhury, Managing Director, Young4Ever Textile.