Bangladesh’s building materials industry: A decade of modernisation and export ambition

Bangladesh's building materials sector — spanning cement, steel, glass, ceramics and paint — is undergoing a structural reset driven by new investments, export expansion and rising demand for quality in both residential and industrial construction.

Despite short-term pressures from global commodity markets and domestic slowdowns, industry leaders say the sector is entering a transition period rich with opportunity, marked by capacity upgrades, technological modernisation and product diversification.

From ceramics exporting to more than 50 countries to paint companies expanding service-driven models, Bangladesh is quietly laying the groundwork for the next decade of infrastructure and housing growth.

Paint industry: Bangladesh moves from product to experience

Bangladesh's paint industry has entered a new era — one defined not only by colour and coverage, but by experience, design and professionalised service. At the forefront is Berger Paints Bangladesh, which commands nearly 55% market share and is reshaping the sector through its Experience Zones, specialised painter training and end-to-end service delivery.

Once dominated by informal painters, unpredictable timelines and inconsistent finishing, the industry now gravitates towards structured, professional solutions. Berger's Experience Zones operate as one-stop design studios where customers receive shade consultancy, surface diagnosis, cost estimates and full application services. 

Programmes such as Express Painting, Illusions textured designs, Furnifab furniture coatings and NSDA-certified painter training have set new benchmarks for home improvement.

Rupali Chowdhury, Managing Director of Berger Paints Bangladesh, said painting today is no longer just a coat — it is a curated home-improvement journey. "Homeowners expect guided shade selection, minimal dust, proper surface preparation and guaranteed finishing. The companies offering structured application services will define the next decade."

Paint demand is rising with urbanisation, renovation trends and festive cycles, driving interest in low-VOC, anti-dust and heat-reflective coatings. Analysts expect strong growth ahead, fuelled by a growing middle class, digital shade tools, professional painting services and rural market expansion. With service-led models gaining traction, Berger remains the sector's benchmark.

Competition is intensifying as brands adopt Berger-style service models. Asian Paints is expanding its digital "Colour Idea Stores", Kansai Nerolac is pushing anti-bacterial and heat-reflective coatings, while Elite is boosting capacity and Roxy diversifying into decorative paints. With service quality now central, companies are competing through experience rather than price.

Glass industry expands as high-rise construction and energy-efficient design grow

Bangladesh's glass industry is experiencing steady, understated growth as the country's skyline continues to rise and builders seek modern, energy-efficient materials. Once heavily dependent on imports, the sector is gradually strengthening domestic capacity, supported by increasing demand for tempered, laminated and insulated glass used in high-rise apartments, commercial towers and institutional buildings.

Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and UN Comtrade data indicate that Bangladesh is slowly expanding its footprint in processed and sheet glass exports, with shipments growing to Nepal, India's Northeast and select African destinations. Industry players say this reflects early signs of Bangladesh becoming a competitive regional supplier.

A leading manufacturer told TBS, "Bangladesh's urban transformation is creating long-term demand for architectural and safety glass. With investment in automation and better quality control, we can significantly reduce import dependence."

Major producers such as PHP Float Glass, Usmania Glass, Akij Glass, Nasir Glass and several mid-sized processors are upgrading tempering, polishing and double-glazing facilities to meet rising expectations for durability, safety and energy efficiency.

Ceramics: a rising export powerhouse with 200% growth in a decade

Bangladesh's ceramic industry has transformed into a global manufacturing success story, registering 200% growth in investment and production over the past decade. Strong value addition has been a key driver, with around 65% of local value created across tiles, tableware and sanitaryware segments.

The sector now comprises 31 tile companies, 20 tableware producers and 19 sanitaryware manufacturers, collectively employing more than 500,000 workers directly and indirectly. Exports have surged, reaching more than 50 countries across Europe, the Middle East, North America and Africa.

Irfan Uddin, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Ceramics Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said Bangladesh has become a global ceramics hub because of product diversity, quality consistency and competitive pricing. "With energy-efficient kilns and advanced designs, we are ready for the next leap."

The sector is poised for further growth. Rising global demand for affordable, high-quality tiles, expansion into smart ceramics and eco-friendly tableware, and robust domestic construction activity are expected to sustain momentum. 

Analysts note that continued technological upgrades and stronger branding in international markets could position Bangladesh as a leading ceramics exporter in Asia within the next decade.

With a decade of impressive growth and a clear roadmap for modernisation, Bangladesh's ceramics sector is emerging as a key player in the global home and building materials market.

Steel: transitioning towards high-grade, green and export-ready production

Bangladesh's steel sector is undergoing a significant transformation, moving beyond traditional billet and rod production towards high-strength, corrosion-resistant and value-added steel products. Central to construction, shipbuilding and industrial machinery, the industry is increasingly aligning with global standards to meet both domestic and international demand.

Data from global steel associations highlight Bangladesh's expanding export footprint, with shipments now reaching India, the US, Kenya, Sudan and Congo — a sign of growing confidence in the country's steel quality. Exports of rebar and TMT bars have risen steadily, reflecting improved manufacturing capabilities and adherence to international specifications.

Looking ahead, the market is expected to see increased adoption of Grade-500 and Grade-600 steel for major infrastructure projects. African and Middle Eastern buyers are showing growing interest, while new government initiatives for safer building codes are driving domestic demand for premium steel.

Industry insiders emphasise the shift towards refined steel, incorporating energy-efficient induction furnaces, waste-heat recovery systems and automated rolling lines.

Sheikh Shabab Ahmed, Group Head of Corporate Affairs and Legal at Abul Khair Group, said, "We are investing heavily in greener, safer and stronger steel because the next decade of construction will demand it."

He added that Abul Khair was the first in the country to produce refined steel. "We practise 100% rainwater harvesting and use no groundwater in our factories."

Looking ahead, the market is expected to see increased adoption of Grade-500 and Grade-600 steel for major infrastructure projects. African and Middle Eastern buyers are showing growing interest, while new government initiatives for safer building codes are driving domestic demand for premium steel. Challenges remain in scaling technology and controlling costs, but the sector's trajectory points to a greener, export-ready future.

Cement: largest capacity, poised for efficiency-driven growth

Bangladesh now boasts one of South Asia's largest installed cement capacities — around 10 crore tonnes, far exceeding domestic consumption of 3.8 crore tonnes in 2024. While utilisation remains below 30% in 2025, industry experts view the overcapacity as "strategic readiness" for the country's next infrastructure cycle rather than a constraint.

Export opportunities are expanding, with Bangladeshi cement gaining traction in India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka, supported by competitive production costs, energy-efficient mills and improved logistics. Industry data indicate that exports rose 12% year-on-year in early 2025, highlighting growing regional acceptance.

Industry insiders emphasise the competitive edge offered by modernisation and automation.

Mohammad Shahidullah, Former President of the Bangladesh Cement Manufacturers Association and Managing Director of Metrocem Cement, told TBS that capacity expansion over the past decade positions Bangladesh perfectly for the next wave of megaprojects. "The fundamentals of energy efficiency, automation and port-side grinding give us a long-term competitive edge."

Looking ahead, the country's ambitious infrastructure pipeline — including Matarbari, Payra and multimodal transport projects — is expected to drive steady domestic demand. New clinker import terminals and green production technologies are improving cost competitiveness, while rising regional demand gives Bangladesh the opportunity to become a reliable cement exporter. Challenges remain in scaling efficiency and navigating fluctuating fuel prices, but the sector is poised for sustainable, efficiency-driven growth.