India restricts Bangladesh jute imports via select land and sea ports

India has enforced immediate restrictions on the import of jute and allied fibre products from Bangladesh, barring their entry through land and sea ports—except for the Nhava Sheva port in Mumbai. The directive, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on June 27, 2025, follows recent limitations placed on apparel exports from Bangladesh via land routes.

According to official sources, the move targets “jute and allied fibre/products” which, despite enjoying duty-free access to India, have been under scrutiny for years. The Indian jute industry has repeatedly raised concerns over the influx of dumped and heavily subsidised jute items—especially yarn, fibre, and bags—from Bangladesh.

Although India had previously imposed anti-dumping duties (ADD) on Bangladeshi jute products, imports remained largely unaffected. Officials allege this is due to ongoing subsidies by the Government of Bangladesh, prompting the need for more stringent action in the form of port entry restrictions.