Shipping Lines Step Up Amid Political Tensions Between Bangladesh and India, Opening New China Routes
Amid strained political relations between Bangladesh and India, shipping lines are seizing the opportunity to strengthen ties between China and Bangladesh by offering new direct routes and boosting capacity. Pacific International Lines (PIL) has launched the China Chittagong Express, marking a major development in the region's logistics landscape. The inaugural vessel arrived in Chittagong today, cutting down transit times and enhancing trade efficiencies between the two countries.
Previously, shipments from China to Bangladesh had to navigate a longer, 20-22 day route via regional hubs like Singapore and Port Klang. PIL’s new service, however, reduces transit time to just eight days, providing much-needed speed and cost savings for Bangladesh’s vital garment industry. Carrying 935 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of raw materials crucial for Bangladesh's textile sector, the vessel is expected to return to Ningbo with more than 1,000 TEU of exports, demonstrating the mutual economic benefits of this new direct route.
A senior official at PIL stated, “The launch of this direct service is a timely response to the evolving trade dynamics in the region. With the increasing demand for faster and more reliable shipping options, especially amid the current geopolitical climate, we see this as a crucial service for both Bangladeshi importers and exporters.”
Bangladesh sources 25% of its imports from China, predominantly raw materials and machinery for the garment industry, and the demand for Chinese imports is set to rise as relations with India remain tense. This direct shipping route will serve as a key enabler for Bangladeshi businesses looking to reduce production costs and ensure uninterrupted supply chains.
Alamgir Hossain, a factory owner in Dhaka, praised the new service: “For factory owners like myself, the swift delivery of raw materials is essential to keep production running smoothly. PIL’s quick service will not only speed up our operations but also help reduce costs in a highly competitive market.”
Beyond PIL, other major players in the shipping industry have also been ramping up their services between China and Bangladesh. Maersk Line, MSC, Hong Kong-based SITC, and Korea-based Sinocor-Hyundai have all increased their offerings in recent months, collectively providing 10 weekly ships on the China-Chittagong route. The uptick in shipping services reflects the growing importance of Bangladesh as a trading partner for China, further bolstered by increasing Chinese investment in the country.
In July, Maersk expanded its Chittagong-China service to three vessels per week, while MSC launched a new service in the same month. With six major shipping lines now regularly operating on this route, Bangladesh’s import and export activities are set for a major boost in efficiency.
This surge in shipping connectivity highlights the growing reliance on China for essential imports and the strategic role that shipping companies play in facilitating cross-border trade, especially during politically sensitive periods. As Bangladesh navigates its evolving trade relationships, shipping lines are stepping up to fill the gaps, ensuring that supply chains remain resilient and responsive to market demands.
Conclusion: A New Era for Bangladesh-China Trade
With the rapid expansion of direct shipping routes, Bangladesh's garment industry—and the economy at large—stands to benefit significantly. These enhanced shipping services ensure faster delivery times, greater trade volumes, and a stronger partnership with China, making Bangladesh less reliant on traditional trading partners such as India. The future of Bangladesh’s supply chain looks brighter and more efficient, thanks to the timely intervention of shipping companies like PIL.