The local paint industry is reeling from increased supplementary duties (SD), which threaten both revenue and the survival of manufacturers amid rising production costs and shrinking consumer demand, according to industry insiders.

China’s exports surged to a record high in 2024, providing a much-needed boost for the economy as the prospect of biting tariffs imposed by US president-elect Donald Trump looms.

Recent supplementary duty (SD) hikes on the import of fruits have dealt a fresh blow to people who were already cutting back on these delicacies since the imposition of regulatory duties in mid-2022..On January 9, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) increased the supplementary duty on the

Bangladesh has significant potential for foreign investment due to its large pool of human resources, strategically advantageous location, and sizable consumer market, said PARK Young Sik, the South Korean ambassador to Bangladesh..He made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with Taskeen

Increased costs of doing business could weaken operational capacity, the chamber said

DSEX lost 7.35 points as of 12:04 pm  

Malaysia’s palm oil stocks fell for a third consecutive month in December to hit their lowest since May 2023, as output dropped due to floods, data from the industry regulator showed on Friday.

Business leaders have presented nine demands to the central bank, including an exit policy, relaxed loan classification rules, and faster disbursement of cash incentives, as they struggle to sustain their industrial institutions amidst ongoing economic hardship.

The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) yesterday urged the government to refrain from implementing the VAT and supplementary duty (SD) hike until the end of Ramadan, warning that the move would worsen the financial struggles of low- and middle-income families.

No independent director will be considered a defaulter if the finance company with which they are associated defaults, the central bank said in a circular.

The previous Awami League regime, which touted its efforts to make Bangladesh digital, mirrored the poor farmer in Aesop’s fable of the golden goose when dealing with the mobile voice and internet sectors. The interim government is now replicating this flawed approach following its predecessor’s footsteps.

Imports of most essential commodities related to Ramadan increased in the first six months of the current fiscal year 2024-25, with the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC) stating that the prices of these items, whose demand rises during the fasting month, would remain stable.

Healthcare seekers face higher prices for medicine due to the hike in value-added tax (VAT) on trades by pharmacies and drug stores.   

Experts and members of a labour reform commission formed by the government have suggested the introduction of a national minimum wage for workers and a uniform labour law applicable to employees both inside and outside the Export Processing Zones (EPZs).

Rising rates are creating headwinds for at least 40 listed conglomerates

They recommended promoting plastic recycling initiatives

Bangladesh Bank says in a new circular today

Informal sector employs 85% of the workforce

VAT hike to fuel inflation, it says

Total turnover stood at Tk 169.05 crore.