The Chittagong port saw a significant rise in handling containers in July despite lockdown and Eid holidays.
The prime seaport of Bangladesh handled 69,465TEU of laden containers and 42,991TEU of empty export containers in the month. Besides, at the same time, the port also handled 115,189TEU of laden and 543TEU of empty import containers.
Earlier, in June the port handled 63,770TEU of laden and 60,989TEU of empty export containers alongside 119,692TEU of laden and 190TEU of empty import containers.
Officials say goods handling by the port will increase significantly in August and September as apparel orders worth US$10 billion were received in June and July which have to be shipped in this month and next.
The government thus, from 1 August, opened factories, revoking a previous order to keep factories shut till 5 August which aimed at arresting the spread of coronavirus disease further.
First vice president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), Mohammad Hatem said this is peak time for the apparel industry and order is still pouring in.
He added that during the first 19 days of July, apparel goods worth US$2.23 billion were exported from Bangladesh, up by 33% compared to the same period last year.
The products for winter and Christmas are now under production thus factories are under tremendous pressure, noted Hatem.
Sharar Nayel
Bangladesh Correspondent
