In the last two months, importers secured permits to bring 280,000 tons of onions, mainly from India, but due to rising prices in India, imports from China, Pakistan, Egypt, and Thailand have increased. Chittagong seaport cleared 5,588 tons of onions during this period. Despite the surge in imports, retail onion prices remain above Tk 120 per kg. The country uses around 3 million tons of onions annually, with local production at 2.3 million tons; the deficit of 700,000 tons is typically met through imports. Most onions are imported through land ports like Benapole for faster delivery, but if India raises prices or halts exports, alternatives are used. From July to September 3, Chittagong port received 5,588 tons of onions, with 665 tons from China, 3,498 tons from Pakistan, 1,011 tons from Egypt, and 5 tons from Thailand. Despite higher imports, the retail price in Chittagong remains high due to insufficient supply from alternative countries. Indian onions sell for Tk 103-105 per kg, while onions from other countries are not priced below Tk 100.
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