Around 20.38 lakh tonnes of goods were imported from India through the Benapole Land Port last year, down from 21.14 lakh tonnes in 2023, a decline of 75,746 tonnes.
Traders attributed the drop in imports to the dollar crisis, the ongoing war, the global recession, and various trade barriers.
Port officials said that Bangladesh conducts import-export activities with India through 16 ports, with Benapole handling the largest volume.
Since 2024, imports have decreased due to global economic challenges and the dollar crisis . Additionally, delays in goods clearance and infrastructure limitations have contributed to the trade deficit.
The interim government has implemented measures to boost trade, including launching a cargo vehicle terminal at the zero line of the Benapole port and installing scanning machines.
The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has also formed a committee to expedite goods clearance and facilitate trade, reducing harassment and restoring momentum.
Key imports through Benapole include industrial raw materials, garment industry inputs, baby food, tyres, machinery, pharmaceutical raw materials, chemicals, and food products.
Exports consist of jute, jute products, ready-made garments, chemicals, tissues, melamine, and fish.
Goods worth Tk 50,000 crore are imported annually through Benapole, while exports to India amount to Tk 8,000 crore, said Matiar Rahman, director of the India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries.
Rahman also said that faster goods clearance and the removal of trade barriers would increase imports and revenue.
Benapole Port Director Mamun Tarafdar said that significant development projects have been completed, enhancing the port’s capacity and boosting trade.
NBR member Kazi Mostafizur Rahman added that the NBR’s committee is actively working to expand import-export activities, expressing optimism about its impact on trade facilitation in the coming days.
