The garment industry of Bangladesh is being severely hurt by a sharp rise in container charges for US and European shipments says major garment chiefs.

Bosses of the Bangladesh Garments and Manufacturers Association (BGMEA) said the recent 50 to 60 per cent hike in charges is threatening to wreck the export-oriented industry. They are demanding urgent government action after shipping chiefs raised the cost of moving a 20-foot container to the east coast of the US to $3,400 from $2,500 and to $1,250 from $800 for European shipments.

Officials warned if the costs were passed on to customers then buyers may switch their attention to rival producers in Asia and Latin America.