Construction, wood sectors struggle as sales plunge: Entrepreneurs

The country's building, construction, and woodworking industries are reeling from a slump in demand, with entrepreneurs and businessmen saying that sales have declined by up to 70% as ongoing government projects remain stalled, new project approvals dwindle, and private sector investments have also slowed down.

The concerns were voiced by participants at the 9th Bangladesh Buildcon and Wood & Metal Industries International Expo 2025, which opened Thursday at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB). 

The three-day event hosts more than 100 local and foreign companies showcasing products, machinery, raw materials, and innovations across construction, wood, and metal sectors.

Organised jointly by ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd and Futurex Trade Fair & Events Pvt Ltd, the expo will run until today (26 September).

Anish Rahman Sultan, marketing manager at BD Raylong Trading, told The Business Standard that sales of wall panels have dropped by nearly 70% in the past year. 

"We have been in the market since 2022, and over 60% of our clients are government projects that buy in bulk for interior works. But with those projects suspended, our business has collapsed. The private sector doesn't use this product as much," he said.

Foreign suppliers also reported a sharp downturn. Andy Li, general manager of China's Guangding Yulsen Building Materials Co Ltd, which has exported plastic moulds to Bangladesh for two decades, said sales have plunged by about 60%. 

"We only export raw materials, but demand has fallen drastically. It's hard to pinpoint a single reason," he noted.

For some, however, the slowdown has been less severe.

Abdulla Al Mamun, senior officer at Mamtech Associates, a supplier of construction machinery, said, "We import from Chinese brands like Crown and MPT alongside our own line. Since we cater to both households and industries, political changes don't affect us much. Still, business is slower than before."

Mohammad Mehraj Hayat, project engineer of Xenon Lighting Limited, said sales have dropped by 30–40%. "We mainly work with large private projects, so the impact is less severe. But investors have become cautious amid political shifts," he said, adding that he hoped the market would rebound soon.

Despite the downturn, the fair also attracted visitors looking for opportunities.

Akram Hossain, an employee at a private firm, told TBS that he came to the expo with friends to explore business scopes. He said, "We're planning to start a small business in the construction sector. The fair helps us meet many suppliers and get market insights. It's also an opportunity to talk directly with Chinese entrepreneurs who came here."