First US Wheat Shipment Lands at Chattogram Port

First US Wheat Shipment Lands at Chattogram Port

A vessel carrying nearly 57,000 tonnes of wheat from the United States has arrived at Chattogram Port, marking the start of US wheat imports under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement between Bangladesh and the US.

The ship, MV Norse Stride, delivered 56,959 tonnes of wheat, according to the Ministry of Food. Under the G2G arrangement, Bangladesh will import a total of 440,000 tonnes, with this being the first consignment.

The import is part of an agreement between Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Food and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Sample testing of the wheat has already begun, and preparations are underway for unloading after quality checks.

Of the total shipment, 34,170 tonnes will be unloaded at Chattogram Port, while the remaining 22,789 tonnes are set for Mongla Port.

Bangladesh’s annual wheat demand exceeds 7 million tonnes, with domestic production covering only 1.1 million tonnes. Imports make up the shortfall, with Russia supplying 54 per cent of last year’s imports, followed by Ukraine at 14 per cent, and India.

Officials said the decision to import wheat from the US aims to reduce the trade gap between the two countries and prevent potential US tariffs on Bangladeshi goods.

The wheat was purchased through Agrocrop International, authorised by the US Wheat Associates, at $302 per tonne. The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase approved the G2G deal on July 23.