China now a lucrative market for Bangladeshi jute yarn

Arafat Ara China has emerged as a lucrative market for jute yarn after Turkey, Middle East and North African countries as the nation is gradually switching over from raw jute to import of jute yarn from Bangladesh, said sector insiders. Bangladesh Jute Spinners' Association (BJSA) Chairman Muhammad Shams-uz Zoha said the Asian county imported raw jute from Bangladesh. But since last two years they are importing jute yarn due to labour crisis. The workers of raw jute processing units face hassle as it is very complicated and the environment of those factories is also dirty. So, now-a-days people of the developed countries are not interested to be employed in such low-standard jobs. Besides, entrepreneurs can use jute yarn directly to make jute goods, said BJSA chairman "We are getting increased number of requirements from the Chinese buyer for jute yarn now," said Mr Zoha adding the country is generally importing low-grade jute yarn for making jute sacks. According to the spinners the export volume was 2,300 tonnes in 2008-09 fiscal year, 10,200 tonnes in 2009-10 and 27,300 tonnes in 2010-11 fiscal year. BJSA former Chairman Ahmed Hossain said China is a major raw jute importing country for Bangladesh. "If the world's second largest economy switches over to jute yarn from raw jute fully, the export earning will increase significantly within a short time." Already the trend of jute yarn export is very positive. If China continues to import jute yarn, the export volume of such jute product will increase several times within three years, Mr Hossain expressed the hope. BJSA Vice Chairman Iqbal Haider said the prospect of the Chinese market is bright for Bangladeshi jute yarn. But the country does not import high-quality jute yarn from the country. "If the country starts to import high-grade jute yarn, the sector will flourish significantly." The BJSA vice chairman said presently the export volume of high-quality jute yarn has declined due to unrest in Middle East and some North African countries.