India imposes new ban on 4 more Bangladeshi jute products

India has imposed fresh restrictions on imports of Bangladeshi jute products, completely banning the entry of four types of jute goods through land ports. Imports of these products will now be allowed only via Mumbai’s Nhava Sheva sea port.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade of India announced the new restrictions on Monday (August 11). The affected products include jute sacks and bags, bleached and unbleached woven jute fabrics, and jute yarn cordage ropes. The ban came into effect immediately.

This marks the fourth round of import restrictions India has imposed on Bangladeshi goods in six months. Earlier, on May 17, India restricted imports of garments, processed foods, plastics, wooden furniture, yarn, fruits, flavored beverages, and soft drinks through land ports. On April 9, India also withdrew Bangladesh’s export privileges via Kolkata Airport. Additionally, on June 27, India banned the import of raw jute, jute rolls, jute yarn, and certain jute fabrics through land routes.

Abdur Rouf, Secretary of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Jute and Textiles, expressed concern over these non-tariff barriers but said preparations had been underway to counter such moves. “Efforts are being made to boost domestic demand for jute products as an alternative to plastics. Instead of exporting basic jute products, we are focusing on value-added, high-priced items for global markets,” he added. Rouf suggested India’s decision could ultimately benefit Bangladesh in the long run.

Rashedul Karim Munna, President of the Multipurpose Jute Product Manufacturers and Exporters Association, noted that most Indian importers of Bangladeshi jute are Kolkata-based, and the land route facilitated easy access. However, since some products were banned from land ports three months ago, exporters have had to reroute shipments via Mumbai’s sea port, significantly increasing transport costs and time. “With the addition of these four products to the ban, continuing to rely on India as an export market is no longer commercially viable,” he said.

Munna added that focusing on product diversification, quality improvement, and value addition targeting European and American markets could turn the current challenges into long-term opportunities for the Bangladeshi jute industry.