Dhaka, Nov. 18 -- Bangladesh's trade imbalance with China continues to escalate, driven by persistent higher imports of essentials for its industries from the country's top import destination.

On the other hand, Bangladesh's exports to China remained almost stagnant in recent years despite having duty-free market access there.

China now supplies about 22 per cent of Bangladesh's total imported goods, especially industrial raw materials, intermediate goods and machinery.

Such a large volume of imports reflects an increased dependence of Bangladesh's industries on Chinese raw materials and capital machinery, according to traders and experts.

The central bank's latest data from the fiscal year 2019-20 until September of the FY 2025-26 sh...