ICDs, users agree on 20% tariff hike for six months

The owners of inland container depots (ICDs) and stakeholders today agreed on a 20 percent increase in tariffs for export and empty container handling at the depots for a period of six months.

The decision will be effective soon, said Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Secretary Md Omar Faruk.

The development came after CPA Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman held a meeting with the major stakeholders, including garment and knitwear exporters, to resolve the stalemate over tariff hikes by the private ICDs. 

ICD operators last month threatened to suspend container handling from December 11, as users refused to pay the increased rate. ICDs later postponed the plan following assurances from the CPA regarding resolution.

Bangladesh Inland Container Depot Association (BICDA), in July 2025, announced an increase in charges for handling export and empty containers by as much as 60 percent, to be effective from September 1, citing rising operational and investment costs, currency devaluation, and inflationary pressures.

Amid opposition from stakeholders, the issue went to the High Court, which suspended the revised tariff. The shipping ministry later directed them not to impose any new charges without approval.

At today's meeting, leaders of BICDA, representatives of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), the Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association (BAFFA), the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association (BSAA), and the Bangladesh Container Shipping Association (BCSA) attended.