Jute spinners demand steps against India’s anti-dumping duty

Local jute spinners have urged the government to take necessary measures in the wake of India's imposition of anti-dumping duties on jute products.
They also demanded restrictions on raw jute exports to support the growth of the local industry.
The Bangladesh Jute Spinners Association (BJSA) made the call at a recent stakeholders' meeting on "Determination of Action Regarding Anti-Dumping Duty Imposed on Jute Products," jointly organised by the BJSA and Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC) at the BJSA conference room.
BTTC Chairman (Secretary) Dr Mainul Khan attended the meeting as the chief guest, while Md. Hafizur Rahman, Administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) was present as the special guest. BJSA Chairman Tapas Pramanik presided over the discussion.
The discussion focused on several pressing concerns, including India's imposition of anti-dumping duties on Bangladesh jute products, recognition of jute products as agricultural goods, an unfair tax regime, difficulties in accessing loans, and challenges related to improved seed supply.
Industry leaders emphasised the need for policy reform and coordinated efforts to safeguard the sector's sustainability and growth.
India imposed anti-dumping duties on Bangladesh jute products in 2017, citing unfair pricing and market distortion.
The move significantly affected Bangladesh's jute industry, reducing exports and affecting thousands of workers reliant on the sector.
Over the years, Bangladesh has repeatedly urged India to reconsider the duties, arguing that they unfairly restricted trade and undermined regional economic cooperation.
During the meeting, Dr Mainul Khan stressed the importance of collective efforts from both the government and private sectors to address the challenges in the jute industry.
He expressed the optimism that with pragmatic and constructive measures, solutions could be reached to protect and enhance the sector's prospects.
Jute spinners, however, called for urgent diplomatic engagement with India to seek the removal of the duties and demanded comprehensive domestic reforms to facilitate the jute sector's long-term development.
Bangladesh's jute and jute goods exports declined to US$ 855 in FY'24 which was over $ 1.16 billion in FY'21. Jute yarns comprise 58 per cent of the exports.

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