Bangladesh is experiencing a notable Bangladesh corn import surge, driven by its rapidly expanding feed industry and lower global corn prices. At the same time, the country continues to grow its domestic corn production. Furthermore, the resumption of purchases from the United States last year has reshaped the structure of the country’s import supply. According to the latest forecast from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), import demand will continue to grow amid increased feed production, even as the domestic harvest expands.
Bangladesh Returns to the U.S. Corn Market After Seven Years
In 2025/26, Bangladesh made a significant return to the U.S. corn market. Moreover, it completed its first purchase from the United States since 2018. By the end of the period, the U.S. share of Bangladesh’s total corn imports had reached 11%.
Three Bangladeshi feed milling companies initiated the first shipment of approximately 60,000 tons. That shipment arrived at the port of Chattogram in the first week of January 2026. A consortium of industry companies subsequently completed two more purchases of U.S. corn. As a result, total U.S. exports to Bangladesh in 2025/26 amounted to approximately 160,000 tons.
Bangladesh Corn Import Surge Reaches 1.8 Million Tons in 2025/26
According to the USDA, corn imports will reach 1.8 million tons in 2025/26. This growth is driven by increased demand from the expanding feed industry and lower global prices. Furthermore, this figure is 27.2% higher than the previous marketing year (2024/25) estimate. The main suppliers during this period were India, Brazil, and the United States. Lower global prices throughout the period also stimulated feed traders and producers to actively purchase corn and build up stocks.
USDA Forecasts Import Decline in 2026/27 Amid Rising Domestic Output
For 2026/27, the USDA forecasts imports to decrease to 1.7 million tons. This represents a decline of 5.5% compared to 2025/26. The primary drivers behind this drop are increased domestic production and high carryover stocks, which will consequently cover a significant portion of demand.
The agency also notes a notable shift in the structure of corn suppliers to Bangladesh. Historically, India remained the key exporter due to its price competitiveness, advanced logistics, and short delivery times. However, since 2024, India’s export potential has declined significantly amid the growth of corn-based biofuel production. As a result, Brazil took the leading position. As of February 2025/26 marketing year, Brazil accounted for 78% of supplies, while India and the United States each accounted for 11%.
Source: Ukragroconsult (Ukraine)