Fresh Vegetable Exporters Struggle with New Shipping Rules

A recent Bangladesh Bank study reveals that farmers are the primary risk-takers in the agricultural value chain, especially for essential items like rice, potatoes, onions, eggs, and broiler chicken. Conducted across 14 districts, the study attributes price increases mainly to supply shortfalls caused by seasonal factors, reduced cultivation areas, floods, and pest attacks. Unlike intermediaries who secure fixed margins, farmers face fluctuating profits or losses depending on market conditions.

In FY2023–24, Bangladesh produced 68.84 lakh tonnes of maize from 6.42 lakh hectares, with FY2024–25 targets set at 71.60 lakh tonnes from 6.51 lakh hectares. Despite high yields of 35–45 maunds per bigha (1 maund ≈ 37 kg), farmers in districts like Lalmonirhat and Rangpur face falling prices—now Tk 28–29 per kg, down by Tk 2–3 from last year—while production costs rose to Tk 11–13 per kg or Tk 14,000–16,000 per bigha.

Bangladesh's tea exports jumped 57.55% in 2024, reaching 2.45 million kilograms and generating Tk45.96 crore in revenue. This marks a strong recovery from previous years when export volumes had dropped below 1 million kgs.

Following Bangladesh’s decision to ban yarn imports via five land ports—Benapole, Bhomra, Sonamasjid, Banglabandha, and Burimari, which previously handled 30% of India’s yarn exports—Indian producers are shifting toward waterways and sea routes.

Bangladesh’s readymade garment (RMG) exports to the European Union (EU) soared by nearly 37% year-on-year to $3.69 billion in January–February 2025, supported by a 39% rise in shipment volumes. Despite this impressive growth, average unit prices fell by 1.46%, reflecting ongoing profitability challenges.

Bangladesh’s high import tariffs-averaging over 27%, nearly triple the global average-have long sparked debate but little reform due to concerns over revenue loss. With the country set to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status next year, experts and business leaders stress the urgent need for tariff rationalisation to maintain export competitiveness.