Bangladesh Garment Exporters Fear $1 B Loss After Airport Fire
A large fire broke out at the import-cargo section of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on 18 October, damaging storage areas that held raw materials, finished garments and crucial product samples destined for export. The blaze forced temporary flight suspensions and disrupted operations at the country’s busiest airport.
Export sector braces for impact
Leaders of the ready-made garment (RMG) sector estimate losses could reach up to US $1 billion, taking into account destroyed goods, delayed shipments and missed contracts just as the peak export season begins. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association is collecting data from affected firms to assess the full scale of damage.
Strategic consequences for the industry
Bangladesh is the world’s second-largest apparel exporter, and the fire occurred at a critical time for the industry, which relies on timely air shipments to meet orders for global retailers. The damage to product samples especially raises concern, as these are vital for securing future contracts. If the disruption persists, buyers may shift orders to other countries.
