DHAKA – Bangladeshi traders have largely halted rice imports from India, despite government approval for 92 companies to bring in 392,000 metric tons. As of now, only 3,320 metric tons—just 0.85% of the approved quantity—have been imported.
Instead, Bangladesh has turned to alternative suppliers, including Myanmar, Indonesia, and Vietnam, for its rice needs. However, this shift raises questions about cost efficiency and logistics, as Southeast Asian rice is typically sticky in texture and comes with higher transportation costs.
In an unusual twist, Myanmar, which has also been a recipient of Indian rice aid, is now exporting to Bangladesh. This pattern mirrors a practice seen with Pakistan selling Indian-origin sugar to Bangladesh through Dubai, effectively rerouting trade between South Asian neighbors via third-party nations.
While some suggest Bangladesh’s shift is due to India allegedly halting rice exports to the country, official explanations remain unclear. Analysts speculate that trade barriers or supply-chain challenges could be contributing factors.