US wheat imports mark an ‘important step’ for Bangladesh, says Ambassador Christensen

“We understand how important access to nutritious food within affordable limits throughout the year is for Bangladeshi households,” he says

US Ambassador Brent T Christensen has described Bangladesh’s decision to import wheat from the United States as an important step toward narrowing the bilateral trade gap.

He made the remarks on Monday afternoon at an event at the food directorate's silo jetty at Chittagong Port, organised after a shipment of around 60,000 tonnes of US wheat arrived in Bangladesh.

“Bangladesh has long been an important partner for us, and today’s shipment marks a milestone in our growing trade relationship,” Ambassador Christensen said.

“Following the memorandum of understanding signed in July between the Bangladesh government and US Wheat Associates, Bangladesh has become the eighth-largest market for US wheat farmers in 2025, which is a significant step toward reducing the trade imbalance between our two countries,” he added.

The ambassador said purchasing US wheat is a win for both American farmers and Bangladeshi families.

“We understand how important access to nutritious food within affordable limits throughout the year is for Bangladeshi households,” he said.

The vessel MV Clipper Isadora, carrying 57,203 tonnes of wheat from the US port of Kalama, arrived at Chattogram Port’s outer anchorage on Jan 19. On Monday, unloading of 5,400 tonnes of wheat began at the food directorate’s silo jetty using two lighterage vessels.

Food Secretary Md Firoz Sarker said a five-year MoU was signed with the United States in July last year to help address the trade deficit, under which Bangladesh will import 700,000 tonnes of wheat annually.

“The quality of the US wheat received so far has been very good, with protein content of around 14 percent,” he said.

“In the future, we will import more wheat from the United States to ensure national food security. This will not only strengthen food security but also help bolster Bangladesh’s economy through reduced tariffs on the ready-made garment sector, playing an important role in strengthening bilateral relations and long-term friendship,” he added.

Chittagong Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman and food directorate Director (Procurement) Moniruzzaman were also present at the event.