Sales of beauty and personal care in Bangladesh rose in 2024 in both value terms and volume terms. While underlying demand remained positive, market performance was hindered by rising inflation, political uncertainty, and weakening consumer confidence, particularly in the second half of the year.

Bangladesh’s population is expected to increase because of changes in net migration and natural change. By 2040, there will be 203 million people. The birth rate is anticipated to drop between 2024 and 2040. Young Adults (aged 18-29) will represent the largest portion of the population by 2040. Generational cohorts in Bangladesh will continue to influence consumer expenditure based on their specific purchasing habits and unique demands.

Tissue and hygiene in Bangladesh experienced a mixed performance in 2024, as economic challenges and political instability disrupted business operations. A nationwide shutdown lasting approximately two months significantly impacted commercial activity, limiting sales growth. Despite these challenges, overall demand increased slightly, driven by heightened hygiene awareness and expanding product accessibility across different consumer segments.

In 2024, home care has seen modest growth in demand, with urban areas outperforming rural regions. Hygiene and cleanliness practices have increased, driving higher demand across household, corporate, and commercial sectors, including food service. Low-income consumers, served predominantly by informal retail channels, are emerging as a key market segment. While brand development has been slow, local companies are gaining market share from established leaders like Unilever and R&B, with product v

New manufacturing hubs are driving supply chain diversification efforts. However, these countries still depend on imports of Chinese components, making supply chains longer and more complex. Challenges like insufficient production capacity and lack of supporting industries continue to impede supply chain diversification. Despite this, the situation could improve over the next decade due to large FDI inflows and investments in trade infrastructure.

In 2023, the majority of households in Bangladesh were couples with children, but a shift towards smaller families was evident. By 2028, the number of households is projected to grow by 6.5%, with a decrease in birth rates and an increase in urbanisation. Furthermore, income inequality is expected to shrink, with rural incomes catching up with urban incomes, and digital technology adoption is set to rise, particularly in smartphone ownership.

Although state finances are solid, the collapse of the government has increased political instability and corruption is rife. Economic development has been resilient, but inflation remains high and exports are extremely undiversified. High incomes growth will support the consumer market, but climate change is leading to societal dislocation and poverty is meaningful. Internet use is one of the lowest regionally and innovation capacity is limited, but mobile subscriptions are growing well.

In 2024 demand for staple foods rose once more. This was despite inflation and currency fluctuations as consumer dependency on packaged food has risen with consumers embracing its convenience, especially urban dwellers. Food variety and food habits have changed due to busy lifestyles, changing tastes and increased product availability. The range of staple foods, especially baked goods, significantly increased as distribution widened, with baked goods popular for the purpose of snacking.

Economic pressures, high inflation and political unrest continues to be seen in Bangladesh which is creating instability with imports becoming challenging. Despite this, new product development continues to be seen in hot drinks. Prices stabilised in 2024 despite elevated inflation with foodservice sales also returning to growth. Most consumers depend on small and medium pack sizes due to budgetary constraints with younger generations showing more interest in new tastes and flavours.

Economic pressures, high inflation and political unrest continues to be seen in Bangladesh which is creating instability with imports becoming challenging. As a result, new product development has been limited in soft drinks. Prices stabilised in 2024 despite elevated inflation which helped to sustain demand for soft drinks. There has been a growing dependence on small and medium pack sizes due to budgetary constraints with younger generations showing more interest in new tastes and flavours.

Cooking ingredients and meals in Bangladesh in 2024 is marked by price increases, which have impacted sales performance. Some consumers are boycotting Indian brands, while lower-priced local brands are also benefiting from consumers watching their spending, with demand for smaller pack sizes also rising. Higher-priced items remain limited to specific socioeconomic groups, while affordable options are more widely available. Traditional retail channels remain preferred for their accessibility, con

Dhaka is Bangladesh’s most economically vibrant city, due to its population size, consumer expenditure and disposable income. However, Dhaka holds the highest potential for future economic growth in terms of expected GDP growth. Challenges in cities will persist in the near term due to the continuing global economic slowdown and the impact of tight financial conditions. In the longer run, Bangladesh’s cities are set to face burdens on infrastructure, due to large and increasing populations.

Consumer health in Bangladesh remains affected by price hikes in 2024. Consumers are shifting to modern conventional medicines in search of perceived fast and effectiveness relief. However, awareness is higher in urban areas and some lower-income consumers continue to use traditional alternatives for cost reasons. Nonetheless, living and environmental conditions foster illness, disease and sales, while urbanisation, population growth and middle-to-high-income consumers expand the consumer base.

In 2024, dairy products and alternatives in Bangladesh have witnessed strong price increases, particularly in categories like baby food and dairy. Nonetheless, both have maintained volume growth as consumers prefer to switch to lower-priced brands rather than cut out such products as middle- and lower-income consumers become more cautious with their spending. Meanwhile, plant-based dairy remains negligible as awareness of it is low amongst consumers in Bangladesh.

In 2024, snacks in Bangladesh saw strong price increases, which impacted demand. A dollar shortage disrupted imports, boosting local product development, especially in savoury snacks and sweet biscuits. Rising living costs push consumers toward smaller packs, with some savoury snacks maintaining prices but reducing quantity. Despite VAT-free options in modern grocery stores, traditional shops remain popular for lower prices. Urban areas show higher reliance on packaged snacks due to busy lifesty

The commodities country overview provides comprehensive data on production, consumption and price trends on key commodities markets. The commodities overview in Cambodia covers production and consumption trends in agricultural commodities, energy products, electricity as well as an overview of key economic and business environment trends.

In 2023, sales of alcoholic drinks in Bangladesh have increased significantly, driven by a rise in local consumption alongside foreign customers. Previously, only foreigners partook, but shifting social values and norms have seen more locals adopting the habit despite traditional and religious prohibitions. However, the future poses challenges for importers, retailers, and manufacturers due to political unrest and a slowing economy. Political instability may restrict drinking facilities and redu

In 2023, Bangladesh ranked 17th among Asia Pacific nations in terms of average gross income. Even though the income levels remained comparatively low, in 2023 the country recorded an accelerated increase in per capita disposable incomes, which grew by 5.5% in real terms over the year. However, poverty and income inequality remained high. Looking ahead, the consumer market and incomes are set to grow, but social progress may regress, leading to a widening income distribution gap.

In 2023, the inflation rate in Bangladesh is very high, causing a significant increase in essential commodity prices over the past year. Despite this, tobacco sales have improved, primarily due to the widespread availability of single-stick sales, which remain prevalent despite official bans. This loophole has expanded retail opportunities, allowing small vendors to sell cigarettes without documentation or permission.

Real GDP growth decelerated in 2023, amid rising inflationary pressures, tighter monetary policy and heightened global uncertainty. Moreover, Bangladesh faces serious economic challenges, such as a fragile financial sector, exchange rate volatility, and plunging foreign currency reserves. To restore macroeconomic stability and promote inclusive and green growth, the Bangladeshi authorities are planning to implement IMF-supported reforms over the forecast period.

This briefing examines how the textile and leather products industry is performing globally and in the largest countries in terms of textile and leather products output. The report also provides data for production, market size, imports, exports, industry costs, industry profitability and number of companies. The industry and market overview provide benchmarks against other countries in the region.

In 2021, Asia Pacific ranked first globally in terms of production output of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, with a turnover of USD857 billion. Over 2021-2030, the region is expected to record the fastest production growth globally, underpinned by its sizeable population, expanding access to healthcare, improving business environment and major investments into research and development.

Asia Pacific remained the largest global producer of food, beverages and tobacco in 2021, with sales valued at USD3,809 billion. With the release of pent-up demand, the industry’s turnover witnessed an increase in 2021. Going forward, expanding domestic markets and rising productivity are expected to stimulate the industry’s growth. However, with tightening global food supplies amid climate change and geopolitical conflicts, challenges persist, especially for major regional food importers.

With a turnover of USD365.8 billion in 2021, Asia Pacific was the world’s second largest region for recreation, entertainment and arts. Over the next decade, the region’s entertainment industry is poised to grow at the fastest rate, nearly closing the gap with Western European turnover levels by 2030. Recovering tourism, growing investments and economic expansion are set to drive the entertainment industry’s growth in Asia Pacific, with China remaining in the lead.