Bangladesh launches first digital raw cotton market to link local mills with US farmers
AmeriBangla Corporation aims to expand bilateral trade between Bangladesh and the US from the current estimate of nearly $10 billion to $100 billion by 2045 through commodity exports, machinery trade, and capital partnerships.
Bangladesh's first digital raw cotton market, CottonPort, has been launched, aiming to connect local spinning mills directly with US cotton farmers and strengthen bilateral trade.
The platform was officially launched by AmeriBangla Corporation at The Westin Dhaka hotel in the capital today (27 August).
CottonPort went live with an initial offering of 82 tonnes of raw cotton sourced directly from Virginia in the United States.
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AmeriBangla CEO Aswar Rahman described the platform as a "merchant barrier-free" marketplace designed to break long-standing market monopolies and strengthen the bargaining power of Bangladeshi buyers.
He said more than 30 spinning mill owners have already expressed interest in purchasing US cotton directly through the platform.
"By purchasing directly from American farmers, a strong bond and bilateral relationship will be built between Bangladeshi manufacturers and the US market, paving the way for massive growth in Bangladeshi exports to the US over the next few years," Aswar said.
The company expects the initiative to help boost exports of Bangladesh's apparel products to the US market, particularly amid changes in tariffs.
CottonPort is a 24/7 digital marketplace offering dynamic pricing, container-based purchases and certified supply-chain traceability. Shipments are pre-positioned for delivery to warehouses through Chattogram Port.
During its 2026 trial phase, the platform plans to handle up to 10 containers a month, with a target of scaling up to 1,600 containers monthly by 2028.
