India Bans Certain Jute Product Imports from Bangladesh

On 11th August 2025, India imposed an immediate ban on the import of certain jute products and ropes from Bangladesh through all land routes, allowing entry only via the Nhava Sheva Seaport in Maharashtra.

Key Points

Scope of Ban: The restriction applies to bleached and unbleached woven fabrics of jute or other textile bast fibres, twine, cordage, rope of jute, and jute sacks and bags.
Notification Details: According to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), these imports are prohibited from any land port along the India–Bangladesh border but are permitted through Nhava Sheva Seaport.
Previous Restrictions: Similar curbs were announced on 27th June 2025, targeting jute products, flax tow and waste, single and multiple yarn of jute, and woven fabrics of flax and unbleached jute.
Earlier Trade Measures: In April and May 2025, India introduced restrictions on imports from Bangladesh, including ready-made garments, processed food items, and the withdrawal of transhipment facilities for exports to destinations other than Nepal and Bhutan.
Diplomatic Context: The measures follow strained bilateral relations after controversial remarks by Bangladesh’s interim government head, Muhammad Yunus, during a visit to China, and concerns over attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.
Economic Competition: Bangladesh is a significant competitor to India in the textile sector, with bilateral trade in 2023–24 valued at USD 12.9 billion.