The central bank projected that merchandise trade gap may reach $17.27 billion in FY2018-19 BigstockAt the end of December 2018, trade deficit stood at $7.66 billion, down from $8.62 billion last yearBangladesh's trade deficit has narrowed by 11% in the first six months of the current fiscal year (FY2018-19), owing to a rise of exports and a slowdown of imports, according to central bank data. At the end of December 2018, trade deficit stood at $7.66 billion, down from $8.62 billion in the same period of the previous year. The statement reads that current account deficit is moderating, driven by lower import growth and strong export performance and remittance inflows. For FY2018-19, Bangladesh Bank projects export growth at 14%, remittance growth at around 11% and import growth at 7.5%. According to central bank data, at the end of December 2018, current account deficit stood at $3.08 billion.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 04, 2019 17:03 UTC