Exporters across Bangladesh have raised concerns after the Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA) announced a significant increase in export-related charges. Starting 1 September, the country’s inland container depots (ICDs) will raise their export handling charges by nearly 60 percent, marking the first major price revision in over a decade. This decision has caused serious unease among exporters, especially in the apparel and textile sectors, which depend heavily on ICD services to ship goods to international markets. About 90 to 93 percent of the country’s export containers are processed through ICDs, making this price hike highly impactful across the supply chain. Under the new structure, the export handling charge for a 20-foot container will rise from Tk 6,187 to Tk 9,900, while the charge for a 40-foot container will go from Tk 8,250 to Tk 13,200. Charges for landing, container storage, and other services are also increasing, adding further strain to exporters’ budgets. BICDA has justified the hike by pointing to rising operational costs, including fuel, electricity, wages, and interest rates. They argue that the last revision took place over 10 years ago, and the new rates reflect today’s market conditions. Still, many exporters believe the timing could not be worse. Industry leaders are calling for urgent review and consultation. With global buyers becoming more cost-sensitive and international competition intensifying, exporters fear they may lose orders or face pressure to lower prices. Smaller exporters, in particular, worry that these increased costs will erode their already thin profit margins. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the move. They are urging authorities to step in and facilitate a more balanced approach. Exporters argue that if changes must be made, they should be implemented gradually to allow businesses time to adjust. Many also point out that other challenges are already putting pressure on exports, including longer shipping times, port delays, and growing international tariffs. Adding steep logistical costs now may further weaken Bangladesh’s position as a competitive sourcing destination. As the 1 September implementation date approaches, stakeholders across the logistics and trade sectors are hopeful for dialogue and reconsideration. Exporters emphasize the need for collaboration between depot operators, trade bodies, and government officials to ensure that Bangladesh’s export growth is not slowed by sudden and steep cost increases.
