If you're moving goods out of Bangladesh right now, you've likely seen the nasty surprise on your logistics bills. Container handling charges at Chittagong Port (CPA) and Mongla Port have skyrocketed by 30-40% in recent weeks – and it's hammering export margins when businesses can least afford it.
This isn't just a paperwork headache. For garment factories, jute exporters, and agricultural shippers, these fees directly slice into razor-thin profits. Let's break down what's happening and – crucially – how exporters can fight back.
Why Your Container Costs Are Exploding
1. Equipment Shortage Chaos:
Chittagong's chronic container imbalance just got worse. Empty boxes are scarce as global carriers prioritize repositioning to China and Europe. Result? Desperate exporters pay premiums just to get a box.
2. Port Congestion = Penalty Fees:
Vessels stuck waiting 5-7 days to berth at CPA means containers sit trapped. That triggers detention/demurrage fees from shipping lines – often passed straight to you.
3. Stealth Surcharges:
Carriers are piling on "Port Congestion Surcharges" (PCS) and "Equipment Imbalance Fees" (EIF). These aren't small add-ons – we've seen $150-$300/TEU hikes overnight.
4. Taka Devaluation Double Whammy:
A weaker Taka against the dollar makes USD-denominated fees even more painful. That $200 surcharge now costs 15-20% more in local currency.
The Real Impact on Bangladesh Exporters
- Cancelled Orders: Buyers refusing to absorb cost hikes force last-minute cancellations, especially for low-margin goods.
- Cash Flow Crunch: Smaller exporters can't front these fees while waiting for LC payments.
- Competition Risk: Delays and costs make Bangladeshi goods less competitive vs. Vietnam or India.
4 Tactics to Protect Your Bottom Line
1. Book EARLY & Lock Containers:
Secure boxes 3-4 weeks before shipment. Last-minute scrambling = premium prices.
2. Decode Your Freight Quote:
Demand line-by-line breakdowns. Challenge "mystery fees" like THC (Terminal Handling Charges) increases.
3. Flex on Ports:
Explore Mongla or Payra for less congested alternatives if routes allow.
4. Partner for Leverage:
Work with logistics providers who consolidate volumes. Bigger cargo pools mean negotiation power to push back on unfair charges.
The Bottom Line
These fees won't vanish overnight. With global shipping still volatile and CPA upgrades lagging, exporters need sharper logistics strategies. Those who adapt fastest will defend margins – and keep customers.
Stuck with ballooning handling charges? XMA Logistics helps Bangladesh exporters navigate port chaos, slash hidden fees, and keep shipments moving. Get a real-time cost analysis.
