First US wheat shipment arrives at Ctg Port

Bangladesh has begun importing wheat from the United States for the first time on a government-to-government (G2G) basis, with the first shipment -- 56,959 metric tonnes of wheat aboard the vessel MV NORSE STRIDE -- arriving today (25 October) at the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port.

Under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the government of the United States and the government of Bangladesh, a total of 440,000 metric tonnes of wheat will be imported, says a press release.

First US wheat shipment to Bangladesh departs under new MoU, expected to arrive Ctg in mid-October

The wheat import process is being carried out in line with the agreement between Bangladesh's Directorate General of Food under the Ministry of Food and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Sampling and testing of the wheat onboard have already begun. After the quality test is completed, the necessary steps will be taken for quick unloading.

Of the total shipment, 34,170 metric tonnes will be unloaded at Chattogram Port and the remaining 22,789 metric tonnes at Mongla Port.

The government finalised the agreement aimed at reducing the bilateral trade deficit and securing a lower tariff rate from the Trump administration on the nation's exports to the US.