India extends ban on some Bangladesh imports

(MENAFN) India has expanded its ban on certain imports from Bangladesh, now prohibiting select jute products and ropes from entering through all land routes, as stated by reports. Instead, these imports will only be permitted through Nhava Sheva, a seaport located in western India nearly 1,200 miles away from Bangladesh.

According to a notification from India’s foreign trade authorities, the regulated items include bleached and unbleached woven jute fabrics, twine, cordage, ropes made from jute, as well as jute sacks and bags. Similar restrictions on jute products were introduced in June.

Relations between New Delhi and Dhaka have become tense following the removal of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Earlier in May, India also banned imports of garments, processed foods, plastics, and wood furniture from Bangladesh after Dhaka imposed limits on Indian yarn imports via land routes.

Earlier this year, India withdrew a special facility that allowed Bangladesh to use Indian land routes and ports for exporting goods to third countries, except Bhutan and Nepal. This step was taken due to logistical delays and rising costs that were negatively affecting India’s exports and causing backlogs, according to statements from the Indian Foreign Ministry.

Bangladesh’s exports to India totaled approximately $1.57 billion during the 2023-24 fiscal year, with garment exports accounting for about $700 million annually.

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