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US Wheat Shipment Boosts Bangladesh Food Security & Bilateral Ties

A shipment of nearly 60,000 metric tons of US wheat has arrived at Chattogram port, witnessed by US Ambassador Brent T Christensen and Bangladeshi officials. This delivery is part of a larger consignment exceeding 173,000 tons and falls under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2025 for annual wheat purchases until 2030. The agreement is critical for Bangladesh, which domestically produces only 13% of its wheat consumption needs. The growing agricultural trade relationship was further highlighted by a recent $1 billion commitment from Bangladeshi companies to purchase US soybeans.

Key Points: 60,000 Tons US Wheat Arrives in Bangladesh, Strengthening Trade

  • 60,000 tons of US wheat arrives at Chattogram port
  • Part of a larger 173,000+ ton shipment under a long-term trade MOU
  • Bangladesh grows only 13% of its annual wheat consumption
  • Agreement creates opportunities for US farmers and ensures supply for Bangladesh
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60,000 tons of wheat from the United States arrives in Bangladesh

A major US wheat shipment arrives in Chattogram, supporting Bangladesh's food security and marking growth in bilateral agricultural trade under a long-term MOU.

"These historic deliveries reflect Bangladesh's growing role as a key market for American agricultural exports. - Content"

Chattogram, January 26

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen visited Chattogram port to reinforce commercial cooperation and strengthen bilateral ties.

On January 26, Ambassador Christensen joined Chattogram Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral S M Moniruzzaman and Secretary of Food Md Firoz Sarker to mark the arrival of nearly 60,000 metric tons of high-quality US wheat, part of a larger shipment exceeding 173,000 metric tons --nearly 115,000 metric tons of soft white from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho and nearly 60,000 metric tons of hard red winter wheat Montana and Nebraska.

Taken together, these three shipments represent a critical supply of high protein nutritious grain as Bangladesh grows only 13% of its wheat consumption annually. These historic deliveries reflect Bangladesh's growing role as a key market for American agricultural exports.

In July 2025, Bangladesh's Ministry of Food (MOF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States Department of Agriculture- nominated trade association for wheat farmers, US Wheat Association (USWA), to purchase up to 700,000 MT US wheat annually until 2030.

Under this MOU, Bangladesh has purchased approximately 660,000 MT of US wheat from a major international commodity trader AgroCorp in three sales, with over 350,000 metric tons already delivered.

This agreement supports American prosperity by creating new opportunities for US farmers and businesses while ensuring a supply of nutritious wheat for the people of Bangladesh.

Earlier on November 5, a consortium of Bangladesh's top three soy crushing companies, Meghna Group, City Group, and Delta Agro, committed to the purchase of USD 1 billion of US soybeans over the following twelve months, a spokesperson to the US Embassy in Dhaka said.

"The landmark agreement with the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC), a trade association representing the interests of US soybean farmers abroad, signals a growing export market for high-quality US agricultural products in Bangladesh", said Poornima Rai, spokesperson to the US Mission in Bangladesh.

"US Charge d'Affaires Tracey Jacobson welcomed the agreement, underscoring Bangladesh's increasing significance as a key market for US exports and noting that US soybean sales to Bangladesh are expected to triple as a result of this agreement", she added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Interesting. While it's great for Bangladesh's food supply, I can't help but think about our own farmers. We produce surplus wheat sometimes. Could there be similar export opportunities for Indian wheat in the region? Our government should actively pursue such long-term contracts.
A
Aman W
The numbers are staggering! 700,000 MT annually until 2030? That's a serious commitment. The US is clearly securing a major market in South Asia. This kind of economic diplomacy is something to watch closely.
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows agriculture, the detail about the wheat types (soft white from Pacific NW, hard red from Montana/Nebraska) is fascinating. Different wheats for different uses. This isn't just about quantity, but quality and suitability for Bangladeshi food products.
K
Karthik V
Strengthening ties is good, but let's hope the prices are fair for Bangladesh in the long run. Such massive dependence on a single source for a staple food needs careful management. Local production boost should be the ultimate goal.
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Nikhil C
The soybean deal is the bigger story for me - $1 billion! That's huge for US farmers. Bangladesh's economy is growing and their demand for protein (via soybean meal for poultry/fish feed) is shooting up. Smart move by the US to capture this market early.

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