India has imposed an immediate ban on the import of several Bangladeshi products, including ready-made garments, through its land ports, a move that has sparked concern among Bangladeshi exporters and raised fears of deteriorating bilateral trade relations.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued a statement on Saturday, stating that certain Land Customs Stations (LCS) and Integrated Check Posts (ICP), particularly in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, and West Bengal, are now off-limits for the import of specific Bangladeshi goods.
Products affected include:
- Ready-made garments
- Fruits and fruit-flavored beverages
- Processed food items
- Plastic and PVC products
- Wooden furniture
However, exports to Nepal and Bhutan through Indian ports remain unaffected, and key commodities like fish, LPG, edible oil, and crushed stone are exempt from the restrictions.
Indian authorities have stated that imports of Bangladeshi garments must now be routed through sea ports, specifically Kolkata and Mumbai.
Mohiuddin Rubel, former director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said the decision could delay shipments, raise costs, and reduce exports. Bangladesh currently exports approximately $500 million worth of goods to India annually, with ready-made garments playing a major role.
Exporters warn the new restrictions may lead to financial losses and undermine the growing Indian market for Bangladeshi apparel. They also expressed concern that India’s action may have been a retaliatory response to recent Bangladeshi restrictions on Indian cotton imports and land port usage.
Trade analysts fear that such unilateral decisions could further strain economic ties between the two neighboring nations at a time when global trade disruptions are already impacting regional commerce.
