Bangladesh's rice imports surged to a seven-year high in the last fiscal year (FY25) of 2024-25, driven by a shortfall in domestic production, according to official data.

Rice prices have edged up in Bangladesh in the last couple of days despite the cut in customs tariffs on the import of the staple food to 25 per cent to increase supply and contain prices. 

The government decides to double the import duty on rice – to discourage import of the staple and encourage domestic crop growers.