Chattogram Customs House recorded a strong rebound in revenue collection in August, with receipts rising 29.20% year-on-year to Tk7,092 crore, reversing a 6.78% decline recorded in July.

According to customs revenue statistics, the collection in August last year was Tk5,489.27 crore, meaning revenue increased by Tk1,602.73 crore in August this year.

The sharp rise in August lifted total revenue collection during the first two months of FY2026-27 to Tk14,017.68 crore, an 8.51% increase from Tk12,918.65 crore collected during the same period of the previous fiscal year.

Despite the improvement, Chattogram Customs remains significantly behind its revenue target. Against a two-month target of Tk21,530.34 crore, the customs house collected Tk14,017.68 crore, leaving a shortfall of Tk7,512.66 crore.

Revenue collection in July stood at Tk6,925.68 crore, compared with Tk7,429.38 crore in the same month a year earlier.

Customs officials attributed the August recovery to increased port operations and stronger import-export activities. Since customs revenue depends heavily on import activity, fluctuations in the volume and value of imports directly affect revenue collection.

“Revenue growth in August is positive. We are trying to make customs operations more dynamic to maintain this trend,” said Sharif Mohammad Al Amin, assistant commissioner and spokesperson for Chattogram Customs House.

“Revenue collection depends heavily on import activities. If imports remain normal and the current growth trend continues, there is an opportunity to achieve the target,” he added.

The August surge more than offset the decline recorded in July, leaving cumulative revenue collection Tk1,099.03 crore higher than the corresponding period of FY2025-26.

Chattogram Customs House collected Tk81,471.37 crore in FY2025-26, registering 12.37% growth from the previous fiscal year.

As Chattogram Port handles the bulk of Bangladesh’s international maritime trade, the pace of import activity through the port remains a key factor in determining customs revenue.

The strong August performance has provided some relief after the weak start to the fiscal year. However, customs authorities will need to sustain the recent growth momentum in the coming months to narrow the Tk7,512.66 crore revenue gap against the two-month target.