Export of Hilsa Fish from India to Bangladesh

In September 2026, the traditional flow of the Hilsa trade between India and Bangladesh reversed. Over the past two months, approximately 500 tonnes of Hilsa have been exported from India to Bangladesh.

Key Highlights

Exports: According to traders, an additional 150–200 tonnes of Hilsa are likely to be sent from India to Bangladesh in the coming weeks.
Major Sources: The exported Hilsa was primarily sourced from Gujarat and dispatched via the Bharuch port; some supplies were also routed through the Howrah wholesale fish market in West Bengal.
Shift in Trade: Contrary to the traditional trade direction from Bangladesh to India, a significant volume of supply moved from India to Bangladesh this time.
Primary Reason: Amid reports of lower Hilsa production and availability in Bangladesh, traders there increased procurements from India to meet domestic demand.
Economic Potential: This shift highlights expansion opportunities for the Indian fisheries sector in processing, cold-chain logistics, value addition, and export trade.