The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has again decided to reduce gold prices. This time, the price of 22-carat gold has been decreased by 1,050 BDT per bhori, setting the new price at 138,288 BDT per bhori. The revised prices will come into effect from today, Monday (December 30). The organization confirmed this in a press release on Sunday evening (December 29). With this adjustment, gold prices in the country have been revised 62 times this year, including 35 increases. According to the BAJUS press release, the price of pure gold in the local market has decreased. Considering the overall situation, new gold prices have been set. As per the updated prices, 22-carat gold will cost 138,288 BDT per bhori (11.664 grams). However, a 5% government-mandated VAT and a 6% minimum wage set by BAJUS must be added to the selling price. The cost of jewellery may vary depending on its design and quality. Earlier on December 23, BAJUS reduced gold prices, lowering the price of 22-carat gold by 1,248 BDT per bhori, setting it at 139,338 BDT. At that time, the price for 21-carat gold was set at 133,005 BDT per bhori, 18-carat gold at 114,004 BDT per bhori, and traditional gold at 93,604 BDT per bhori, effective from December 24. However, despite the drop in gold prices, the price of silver in the domestic market remains unchanged. A bhori of 22-carat silver is sold at 2,578 BDT, while 21-carat silver is priced at 2,449 BDT, 18-carat silver at 2,111 BDT, and traditional silver at 1,586 BDT per bhori.

In the first 28 days of December, remittance inflow to Bangladesh amounted to $2.42 billion. On average, the country received $86.4 million in remittances per day during this period. This information was revealed in an updated report by the Bangladesh Bank on Sunday (December 29). According to the report, $2.42 billion in remittance was received during the first 28 days of December. In comparison, $2.05 billion and $2.16 billion were received during the same period in November and October, respectively. The remittance inflow has increased in the first four weeks of December compared to October and November. In the first four weeks of December, state-owned banks handled $689.58 million in remittance, specialized banks facilitated $92.69 million, private banks processed $1.63 billion, and foreign banks managed $6.92 million. The report further stated that from December 22 to 28, $413.32 million in remittance was received. From December 15 to 21, the figure was $625.87 million. Between December 8 and 14, the country received $764.91 million in remittance, while in the first week of December, expatriates sent $616.45 million. Earlier, in June this year, remittance inflow was $2.54 billion, while in July, the first month of the current fiscal year, the figure dropped to around $1.91 billion, marking the lowest inflow in the past 10 months. In July 2020, Bangladesh recorded the highest remittance inflow in five years, with expatriates sending $2.60 billion that month.

The 29th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) 2025 will be inaugurated by the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The information was shared by the Chief Adviser's Press Wing on Sunday, December 29. It has been confirmed that the Ministry of Commerce and the Export Development Bureau are jointly organizing the 29th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) 2025, which will begin on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The fair will be inaugurated by Professor Muhammad Yunus at 10:30 am at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center (BCFEC) in the newly developed city of Purbachal.

The vegetable market has shown some relief for the past two weeks as increased supply has brought prices down. However, rising rice, fish, chicken, and oil prices have disappointed consumers. Vegetable Prices Down This information was revealed during a visit to several markets in Dhaka, including Karwan Bazar and Mohammadpur Agricultural Market, on Friday (December 27). Traders attribute the price drop to a reduction in political group extortion during transportation and less disruption in the markets. If this trend continues, prices may decrease further. Rokon, a vegetable vendor at Karwan Bazar, said, "Supply has increased compared to before. Over the past week, prices of some vegetables have dropped by up to Tk10 per kg. If supply remains steady, prices will drop further." Current market prices: Eggplant: 50–60 BDT/kg Bitter Gourd: 70 BDT/kg Okra: 50 BDT/kg String Beans: 60 BDT/kg Radish: 20–30 BDT/kg Stem Amaranth (Loti): 60 BDT/kg Snake Gourd (Chichinga): 50 BDT/kg Pointed Gourd (Potol): 35–40 BDT/kg   Other vegetable prices include: Papaya: 30–40 BDT/kg Carrots: 40–50 BDT/kg Cucumbers: 50 BDT/kg Tomatoes: 120–130 BDT/kg Flat Beans (Shim): 40–50 BDT/kg Turnips: 25–30 BDT/kg Cabbage: 40–50 BDT per piece Bottle Gourd: 50–60 BDT each   Besides this, coriander leaves are being sold at 30 BDT per kg, onion flowers at 30-40 BDT, new potatoes at 50 BDT, and old potatoes at 60 BDT per kilogram. Depending on the quality, each cauliflower is priced at 40 BDT, cabbage at 40-50 BDT, and gourds are sold for 50-60 BDT each. The price of green chillies has also decreased. They are being sold at 50-80 BDT per kilogram, while the wholesale price is 40-60 BDT. Additionally, red spinach bundles are being sold for 10 BDT, jute leaves for 10-15 BDT, Malabar spinach for 30 BDT, bottle gourd leaves for 40 BDT, radish leaves for 10 BDT, stem amaranth for 10-15 BDT, water spinach for 10 BDT, and spinach for 15-20 BDT. Onion Prices Fall Prices of onions, especially the Murikata variety, have decreased due to increased supply. Last week, Murikata onions were 70–80 BDT/kg, but now they sell for 50–60 BDT/kg. Imported onions and older domestic varieties have also dropped by 30 BDT/kg. Chicken Prices Rise Again Despite government-imposed price controls in September, chicken prices have surged since mid-December. Over the past two weeks, prices have increased by 30–40 BDT/kg. Current chicken prices: Broiler Chicken: 200–220 BDT/kg Sonali Chicken: 320–350 BDT/kg Desi Chicken: 550–600 BDT/kg White Layer Chicken: 230-240 BDT/kg Red Layer Chicken: 280-300 BDT/kg Ducks, depending on the breed: 550-650 BDT/per piece   Soybean Oil Crisis Soybean oil prices rose by 8 BDT/litre on December 9, but even two weeks later, supply has not normalized. Retailers report that oil companies are providing limited quantities, insufficient to meet consumer demand. Unstable Rice Market Despite the ongoing Aman harvest season, rice prices remain high. Over the past two weeks, prices for fine rice have increased by 4–8 BDT/kg, while medium and coarse rice have risen by 2–3 BDT/kg. Current rice prices: Miniket: 74–78 BDT/kg Atash: 60–62 BDT/kg Coarse Swarna: 52–56 BDT/kg Nazirshail: 76–85 BDT/kg   There is no relief in the fish market either, as fish continues to be sold at previously increased prices. Currently, per-kg prices are as follows: Rui: 380 to 450 BDT Katla: 400 to 480 BDT Farmed Shing: 550 BDT Farmed Magur: 500 BDT Farmed Koi: 240 to 280 BDT Coral: 750 to 800 BDT Tengra: 550 to 700 BDT Farmed Pangas: 180 to 230 BDT Tilapia: 180 to 220 BDT Additionally, per kilogram prices for other fish are: Boal: 750 to 800 BDT Poa: 450 BDT Pabda: 350 to 450 BDT Aair: 850 to 900 BDT Local Koi: 1,300 to 1,700 BDT Shing: 1,400 to 1,500 BDT Shol: 900 to 1,000 BDT River Pangas: 900 to 1,200 BDT Some fish varieties, like local Catfish (Shing) (1,400–1,500 BDT/kg) and Boal (750–800 BDT/kg), are priced beyond the reach of average consumers. Traders blame insufficient supply and profiteering by unscrupulous businesses. Regular monitoring and action are needed to curb such practices.

Europe remains the largest destination for Bangladesh’s ready-made garments. Under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) scheme, Bangladesh benefits from duty-free access throughout Europe.  However, indirect and direct wars in Europe have led to persistent inflation in recent years, increasing living costs and reducing consumer spending. Despite these challenges, Bangladeshi garment exports to Europe have maintained a positive trajectory. Positive Winds for Garment Exports in Europe From January to October 2024, Bangladeshi garments worth $16.52 billion were exported to Europe, reflecting a modest growth of 1.43% compared to $16.28 billion in the same period last year. In contrast, China, the largest garment exporter to Europe, recorded a 1.14% growth, while Turkey, the third-largest exporter, experienced a 5.56% contraction in exports. China: $21.82 billion (up from $21.58 billion in 2023) Bangladesh: $16.52 billion (up from $16.28 billion in 2023) Turkey: $8.59 billion (down from $9.10 billion in 2023) Post-Pandemic Recovery and War-Induced Challenges Bangladeshi garment exports surged after the pandemic, but the Russia-Ukraine war disrupted this trend. High inflation in Europe caused living costs to rise, leading to reduced spending on clothing. However, inflation is stabilizing, and the market is showing signs of recovery. Despite this, domestic challenges such as high fuel prices and political instability have tested Bangladesh's resilience. Missed Opportunities in European Markets Industry leaders believe Bangladesh could have achieved greater success in Europe, given its garment industry's strengths and duty-free advantages. Mohiuddin Rubel, a former director of BGMEA, noted that Bangladesh's growth in Europe is modest compared to the typical 10-12% growth rate. “Despite duty-free access, we’re not performing as expected. Europe should naturally remain our top market, but other countries are taking larger shares,” Rubel remarked. Low-Priced Orders: A Competitive Necessity Bangladesh is accepting lower-priced orders to stay competitive and fully utilize its production capacity. Rubel explained, “Global demand has dropped, and competition has increased. Our capacity remains unchanged, but buyers are importing less. In a free market, they aim to buy at the lowest price, and we’ve had to comply.” This strategy has slightly constrained export income growth. However, industry stakeholders see this as a necessary measure to adapt to market realities. Preparing for Future Challenges Rubel stressed the importance of enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and boosting productivity to sustain profitability. He emphasized that merely pressuring buyers for higher prices isn’t a long-term solution. Instead, maintaining an ethical pricing standard and improving operational efficiency are critical. Vietnam: A Growing Competitor Vietnam, a significant rival, ranks sixth in Europe for garment exports. From January to October 2024, Vietnam achieved a growth rate of 3.31%, nearly double Bangladesh’s growth. However, Bangladesh’s total export volume of $16.52 billion far exceeds Vietnam’s $3.5 billion. This disparity highlights the need for Bangladesh to remain vigilant, optimize efficiency, and sustain its position as a leading garment exporter to Europe.