Govt to buy 2.2 lakh tonnes of US wheat at high price to fetch more protein

The government has approved the import of 220,000 tonnes of wheat from the United States through a government-to-government agreement, costing Tk 817.57 crore (approximately $302.75 per tonne). 

The decision aims to diversify supply sources and address Bangladesh’s trade deficit with the US.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed announced the decision on Wednesday following meetings of the Advisory Council Committees on Public Purchase. 

Speaking to reporters, he explained, “We are importing 2,20,000 tonnes of wheat from the US to diversify our sources, given uncertainties in the Russian and Ukrainian blocs.”

The wheat will be sourced from Agrocrop International Private Limited. 

Dr Salehuddin highlighted the superior quality of US wheat, noting, “Even if the price is slightly higher, the benefits are significant. US wheat has a marginally higher protein content, which adds value.”

Addressing concerns about US tariffs on Bangladeshi exports, Dr Salehuddin expressed cautious optimism, saying, “We hope the US may reduce some of the counter-tariffs imposed on our products.”

Negotiations are underway to strengthen trade ties, with the import deal seen as a step toward balancing the trade deficit.