Increased Costs Impact Tissue Industry Prices and Demand

To address rising egg prices and ensure adequate supply, the government has authorized the import of 18.80 crore eggs through 42 firms, with import permits valid until January 31, according to a Commerce Ministry notification issued on November 19. This comes as two pairs of brown eggs are currently selling for Tk 48–50 in Dhaka, reflecting a 12.64% price hike from Tk 42–45 a year ago.

Salt farmers in Cox's Bazar, the hub of Bangladesh's salt production, are reluctant to start cultivation this season despite favorable weather. Unsold stockpiles from the previous season, when a record 24.38 lakh tonnes of salt were produced, have suppressed market prices. Farmers report losses as they are forced to sell their stock for as low as Tk 310 per maund, compared to Tk 400-450 three months ago.

Amid rising inflation, retail chain Shwapno has launched a budget-friendly beef and potato combo that has quickly gained popularity, selling 70,000 packs since its November 1 debut. Priced at Tk 160 for a small pack (200g beef, 100g potatoes) and Tk 300 for a larger pack, this initiative aims to make nutritious meals accessible to middle-class and low-income families struggling with surging food costs.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has removed all import duties on onions, effective immediately from November 6, 2024, to reduce import costs and stabilize prices, which have reached up to Tk 150 per kilogram in Dhaka. This zero-duty policy will be in effect until January 15, 2025. Previously, the NBR had retained a 5 percent import tariff after cutting a regulatory duty in September.

Local sugar refiners have urged the government to reduce the LC (Letter of Credit) margin to 10% for sugar imports, ensuring uninterrupted supply during the upcoming Ramadan. The Bangladesh Sugar Refiners Association (BSRA), representing five sugar producers that meet 98% of the local demand, has submitted a proposal to the government.