Bangladesh is expected to increase imports of rice, wheat, and maize in the 2025-26 marketing year due to rising domestic rice prices, according to a report by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The USDA forecast that rice imports by the public and private sectors could reach 1.2 million tonnes in MY26, up 8% from the previous year. Domestic rice prices have surged to record levels, with coarse rice averaging Tk 57.5 per kilogram in July and high-quality non-aromatic rice at Tk 80 per kilogram, up more than 12% year-on-year.

The government has stepped up imports to ease supply pressures, authorising international purchases of 400,000 tonnes and allowing 242 firms to import 500,000 tonnes for public granaries. Rising production and milling costs, inflation, and inefficiencies in the supply chain have driven prices higher, the USDA noted.

Wheat imports are projected to rise 7.5% to 6.7 million tonnes, supported by lower international prices and stable supply. Maize imports are also expected to increase by 6% to 1.5 million tonnes, meeting the growing demand from the poultry, cattle, and aquaculture feed sectors.

Rice production is forecast to grow 2% year-on-year to 3.75 million tonnes, supported by favourable weather and strong Boro harvests. Expansion of Aman crop acreage is also expected to boost output.

The USDA report highlighted potential opportunities for US maize exports, reflecting Bangladesh’s continued reliance on imports to stabilise prices and support feed and food demand.