Bangladesh’s vegetable exports have sharply declined, dropping by 76.58% over two years due to rising local prices, increasing air cargo and container shipping costs, and excessive chemical usage. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, vegetable exports totaled 14,202 tons, down from 33,923 tons in 2022-23 and 60,634 tons in 2021-22. The cost of shipping vegetables from Bangladesh is significantly higher than from neighboring countries, with air cargo rates exceeding $5 per kilogram compared to $2-$2.50 from Kolkata. Potatoes, the largest export crop, face stiff competition from China, India, and Russia, who offer lower prices. Many businesses have reduced exports due to high transportation costs, with around 70% of exporters withdrawing. Rising rates for refrigerated containers and air cargo have further discouraged vegetable and fruit exports, especially as foreign buyers avoid chemically treated products. Exporters are calling for lower transportation costs to revive the sector.
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