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Cross-border trade through the Benapole land port has witnessed a significant downturn over the past year, driven by global economic challenges and successive trade restrictions imposed by both Bangladesh and India.

According to data from the Bangladesh Land Port Authority, imports from India through Benapole dropped from 2.13 million tonnes in FY2023–24 to 1.49 million tonnes in FY2024–25 — a sharp decline of 631,330 tonnes. Exports from Bangladesh to India also fell by 75,232 tonnes, from 456,672 tonnes to 381,440 tonnes during the same period.

Trade stakeholders say the dual impact of global recessionary trends and recurring bans has plunged the port’s activity into crisis.

“The continued trade bans have severely disrupted business operations on both sides of the border,” said Motiar Rahman, Director of the India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He urged the governments of both nations to intervene and restore trade normalcy.

Series of Bans Strain Bilateral Trade

• On April 8, India barred the export of Bangladeshi goods to third countries via its airspace.
• On May 17, India imposed another restriction — halting exports of garments, cotton waste, plastic furniture, and several fruit items.
• On June 26, India suspended the export of jute and jute products through land routes.

In a retaliatory move, Bangladesh banned the import of Indian yarn via land ports, citing protection of local industries, particularly in line with demands from the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association.

These moves are further compounded by Bangladesh’s broader restrictions on non-essential imports, worsening the trade imbalance.

Unequal Cargo Flow Highlights Disparity

Port data from today reveals that 310 Indian trucks entered Bangladesh via Benapole, while only 63 Bangladeshi trucks were able to export goods in return — a clear sign of the widening trade imbalance.

“Multiple layers of restriction from both sides have resulted in a sharp decline in overall trade volume,” said Shamim Hossain, Director of Benapole Land Port. He called for a coordinated policy response to restore operational normalcy.

As Bangladesh and India navigate a delicate trade relationship amid global economic headwinds, Benapole — one of the busiest land ports in South Asia — remains a critical pressure point needing urgent bilateral resolution.