Tripura traders body welcomes restriction on Bangladeshi imports, But traders fear rising costs

Agartala: After a restriction was imposed on the import of certain products from Bangladesh through land customs stations or Integrated Check Posts, the traders' body in Tripura welcomed the decision, stating that such products of the best quality are available in India as well.

However, businessmen expressed concern, saying the move would hamper trade, as sourcing the products from other Indian states would incur high transportation costs.

India has restricted the import of at least seven categories of Bangladeshi goods, including readymade garments, fruits and processed foods, cotton, plastics, and PVC finished goods through any land customs stations or Integrated Check Posts.

Speaking on the matter, Manager of Land Port Authority of India, Debasish Nandi, told Business North East (BNE) that the Government of India has imposed restrictions on the import of some products from Bangladesh.

“Majority of the products on which the government has imposed restrictions were imported from Tripura. In terms of Tripura-Bangladesh trade, the import is higher than the export. The traders here in Tripura import plastics, PVC items, clothes in bulk amount, stones, fish, etc. However, we have received the order and will work accordingly,” he said.

General Secretary of the All Tripura Merchants Association and India-Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Tripura), Sujit Roy, has welcomed the move and stated that this ban is not expected to significantly affect the market in Tripura.

“The Government of India has imposed restrictions on the import of several items from Bangladesh, including fruits, ready-made garments, plastic goods, bakery items, cold drinks, and cotton. However, this ban is not expected to significantly affect the market in our state, as these products are readily available in various parts of India. The market is likely to stabilize within a few days, and consumers are unlikely to experience much inconvenience. Importantly, there is no ban on the import of fish, edible oil, stone, and cement. Traders in the state will certainly adhere to all the guidelines issued under the decision taken by the Government of India,” he said.

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Though the traders' body has welcomed the decision, stating that such products of the best quality are available in India as well, businessmen expressed concern.

Imrani Ali, who does business with RFL Plastic, a leading company based out of Bangladesh, said that this move by the Government of India will affect the business.

“This is of course going to hamper the business. Importing products from Bangladesh was and is easier in terms of costing. And now, due to the order passed by the Government of India, we need to bring products from West Bengal, Bihar, or other parts of the country, which will be tough for us, and transportation costs will be heavy,” he added.