Ctg port posts record surplus despite global economic slowdown

Chittagong Port, Bangladesh's principal maritime gateway and a key driver of the country's external trade, has recorded robust growth in revenue, cargo handling and container throughput despite continuing uncertainties in the global economy.
According to data released by the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), the port generated a revenue surplus of Tk 42.87 billion during the first eleven months of fiscal year 2025-26, reflecting a sharp increase from previous years. After taxes and other statutory payments, the net surplus stood at Tk 22.28 billion.
Port officials attributed the strong performance to improved operational efficiency, cost-control measures, infrastructure upgrades and the introduction of user-friendly policies aimed at enhancing service quality and port capacity.
Between July 2025 and May 2026, the port earned Tk 60.77 billion in revenue, up from Tk 49.52 billion during the corresponding period a year earlier, representing growth of more than 22 per cent.
An analysis of the port's financial performance over the past five years shows a steady rise in revenue surpluses. In 2025, the CPA recorded revenue income of Tk 54.60 billion against expenditure of Tk 23.17 billion, resulting in a surplus of Tk 31.43 billion -- the highest annual figure at the time. The surplus stood at Tk 29.23 billion in 2024, Tk 21.43 billion in 2023, Tk 17.34 billion in 2022 and Tk 16.33 billion in 2021.
The authority said strict controls on unnecessary expenditure helped keep revenue expenditure growth within single digits over the past two years. Revenue expenditure grew by 7.61 per cent in 2025 and 6.50 per cent in 2024.
Over the last five years, Chittagong Port contributed Tk 75.80 billion to the national exchequer, including Tk 35.53 billion in taxes, Tk 34.27 billion in value-added tax (VAT) and Tk 6.0 billion in non-tax revenue.
Operational performance also reached new highs in 2025.
Container handling rose by 4.07 per cent to a record 3.409 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), compared with 3.276 million TEUs in 2024. The increase amounted to 133,442 TEUs year-on-year.
Cargo handling recorded even stronger growth. The port handled 138.15 million tonnes of import and export cargo in 2025, up from 123.98 million tonnes in the previous year, representing an increase of more than 14 million tonnes.
Ship handling also reached a historic high. A total of 4,273 vessels called at the port during 2025, compared with 3,857 vessels in 2024, reflecting growth of 10.5 per cent.
Port officials said the record performance was driven by the addition of modern handling equipment, expansion of yard capacity and improvements in vessel management. The New Mooring Container Terminal, now operated by Chittagong Dry Dock Limited, increased container handling by nearly 11 per cent over the year.
The authority also accelerated digitalisation efforts by introducing online e-gate passes, electronic bill generation and e-payment systems. On 23 December 2025, the port issued a record 6,761 electronic gate passes in a single day.
Officials said the port successfully managed operational challenges arising from customs work stoppages, labour unrest and broader logistical disruptions through improved operational capability and infrastructure.
The port has also received positive recognition from the United States Coast Guard for meeting international security standards. As part of its ongoing expansion programme, the CPA has developed 70,000 square metres of additional yard space and procured new handling equipment.
Meanwhile, construction work continues on the Matarbari Deep Sea Port and the Tk 135.25 billion Bay Terminal project. Once completed, these projects are expected to transform Chittagong Port into a major regional transshipment hub.
Port officials credited the achievement to strong leadership, effective management and coordinated efforts among the CPA, customs authorities, shipping agents, terminal operators and transport stakeholders.
They said reduced vessel turnaround times, improved berth utilisation, enhanced terminal productivity and expanding digital services have significantly increased cargo and container handling capacity, helping Chittagong Port set new benchmarks in efficiency, productivity and service quality.