The United States maintained its standing as Bangladesh’s second-biggest commercial partner in June, outpacing neighboring India across four out of the first six months of 2026, pointing to the American market's growing significance for the nation's export-driven economy.
Data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) reveals that the US ranked ahead of India during January, April, May, and June, whereas India held the runner-up spot in February and March.
China consistently preserved its rank as Bangladesh’s largest trading partner by a significant margin. For the month of June, bilateral commerce with China totaled Tk34,258 crore, whereas trade with the US stood at Tk16,065 crore and trade with India reached Tk15,265 crore.
BBS figures indicate that the US represented 9.49% of Bangladesh's overall foreign trade in June, marginally surpassing India's 9.02% share.
This transition highlights the expanding influence of the US market on Bangladesh's external economy.
In contrast to China and India—from which Bangladesh incurs heavy import expenses—the US serves predominantly as an export destination for Bangladesh, driving a major trade surplus.
Bangladesh imports the bulk of its industrial raw materials, capital machinery, and manufactured items from China, which has long dominated the nation's import volume.
Similarly, India serves as a crucial supplier to Bangladesh, leveraging its territorial proximity and robust cross-border commercial links.
On the other hand, the US functions as Bangladesh's largest single-country export destination.
Apparel products comprise the vast majority of Bangladeshi shipments to the US, making American consumer spending vital to the nation's manufacturing industry and foreign exchange receipts.
Consequently, the closing trade gap between the US and India carries elevated strategic relevance for Bangladesh's international trade prospects.
This shift coincides with Dhaka and Washington actively restructuring their bilateral trade ties.
Earlier in February, both governments entered into a reciprocal trade deal that granted preferential market entry for US manufactured and agricultural goods into Bangladesh.
According to Zaidi Sattar, chairman of the Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh (PRI), the framework established a path for specific Bangladeshi textile and garment exports to secure zero reciprocal tariffs under designated requirements.
Sattar previously observed that updated US cotton legislation introduced in 2025 could carry direct consequences for Bangladesh's export-focused apparel industry.
At the same time, US import duty decisions have added a further strategic dimension for Bangladeshi exporters.
In July, Washington implemented a supplemental 10% tariff on Bangladeshi goods under Section 301, applied on top of standard most-favoured-nation rates.
Ultimately, the emergence of the US as Bangladesh's second-ranking commercial partner represents more than a temporary numerical realignment.
It highlights how dependent Bangladesh's export infrastructure has become on American consumer demand and trade regulations, even as China retains its firm grip as the country's main import source.
