Dhaka, June 23 -- Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Tuesday told Parliament that Bangladesh's trade deficit widened to US$ 24.17 billion in the fiscal year 2024-25, as the increase in import expenditure outpaced growth in export earnings.

He disclosed the information while responding to a question from BNP lawmaker from reserved women seat Nilufar Chowdhury Moni.

The minister said the country earned $55.19 billion from exports during FY25, while import expenditure rose to $79.36 billion, resulting in a trade gap of $24.17 billion.

The figures show a reversal of the narrowing trend observed in the previous fiscal year, when the trade deficit stood at $21.50 billion, he said.

Export earnings increased by about 8 percent from...