52 tonnes of Indian green chilies imported in two days

Nearly 52 tonnes of green chilies has been imported from India through the Benapole land port over the past two days.

According to Benapole port officials, 42,220 kilograms of green chilies arrived on three Indian trucks on Tuesday evening (August 4), following another 9,200 kilograms imported on Monday night. In total, 51,420 kilograms — nearly 52 tonnes — entered the country within 48 hours.

After completing customs and port formalities, the consignments were immediately dispatched to markets across different districts.

The imports were made by Shimu Enterprise, while Shimu Shipping Lines handled customs clearance and logistics.

Benapole Land Port Traffic Director Shamim Hossain said customs procedures are being completed on a priority basis to ensure the quickest possible release of the perishable cargo. He added that several more chili-laden trucks are waiting to cross the border.

Importer Rafiqul Islam said the chilies are being sourced from India at US$305 per tonne, with the landed cost reaching about Tk135 per kilogram after duties and other expenses. He noted that traders plan to sell the produce with only a modest profit margin but said customs procedures and additional charges continue to push up overall import costs.

The Ministry of Commerce has already granted 69 importers permission to import a combined 29,710 tonnes of green chilies in the first phase. Most of the consignments are expected to arrive from India's major agricultural hubs, including Nashik.

The impact of the imports is already becoming visible in local markets. In Benapole, green chili prices have fallen to Tk240–250 per kilogram, down from around Tk300 earlier this week. Traders expect prices to decline further as additional consignments reach the market.

Import documents show the declared customs value of green chilies at Tk23,875 per tonne, or roughly Tk24 per kilogram. However, importers say duties of around Tk45 per kilogram, along with transportation, port handling, customs clearance and other logistics costs, significantly increase the final landed price.

The fresh supply has already begun to ease pressure on the market, with wholesale prices showing early signs of decline.