Fruit imports through Benapole port suspended indefinitely over increased duties

Fruit importers have stopped imports through Benapole land port indefinitely in protest against the government's decision to increase import duties. Benapole is the largest land port in Bangladesh, located in the Jessore district, near the India-Bangladesh border. It serves as a major gateway for trade between the two countries, handling a significant portion of Bangladesh's imports, especially from India.

Since last Tuesday, no fruit-laden trucks have entered the port following the importers' decision. This suspension comes after the government raised the supplementary duty on fresh fruit imports from 20% to 30% on January 9.

Importers argue that the higher duty makes fruit imports financially unviable, forcing them to halt shipments completely.

Local importer commented that the Bangladesh Fresh Food Association had earlier requested the government to reverse the additional duty, but their plea was ignored. As a result, traders collectively decided to suspend imports indefinitely. If the duty is not lifted before Ramadan, fruit prices will soar, making them unaffordable for ordinary consumers.

The Benapole Import-Export Association President, Mohsin Milon, highlighted that the suspension will lead to significant revenue losses for the government, which currently earns approximately Tk25 crore (about $2.05 million) daily from fruit imports through Benapole.

He further noted that the higher duty has already reduced fruit imports nationwide, leading to supply shortages and rising prices in local markets.

According to Benapole Customs House Joint Commissioner, Sushanta Pal, the number of fruit trucks arriving daily had already declined by half before the suspension, and since Tuesday, no fruit trucks have entered the port.

source: daily-sun.com

photo: tbsnews.net