Govt gives nod to export of raw jute stuck at ports

The government has approved the export of raw jute shipments that were stuck at the ports. This will give relief to exporters who had already sent their goods to the ports and completed all export procedures.

The commerce ministry announced the decision through an order issued on Wednesday.

Earlier, on September 8, the ministry had issued a circular making government approval mandatory for raw jute exports. Following this, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) stopped shipments of raw jute that had already completed all procedures.

At that time, shipping bills had already been submitted, and consignments had reached different ports. The sudden decision created serious trouble for exporters.

After exporters suffered for 10 days, the ministry issued a new order allowing the release of raw jute shipments that were stranded at the ports.

Businessmen said the September 8 circular was issued without considering its immediate or long-term impact.

As a result, exporters had to pay extra charges at ports, including demurrage fees and additional truck rentals. Nearly 50,000 tonnes of raw jute consignments were stuck.

The ministry's latest order has already been sent to the NBR.

The letter clarified that the earlier circular made raw jute exports conditional. However, consignments with shipping bills submitted before September 8 would not be covered by that circular.

On August 25, the Bangladesh Jute Mills Association and the Bangladesh Jute Spinners Association had requested the ministry to ban raw jute exports.

Based on that request, the ministry imposed the approval requirement for raw jute exports.

According to the Department of Jute, Bangladesh exported 13.44 lakh bales of raw jute to 13 countries in the 2023–24 fiscal year, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, and China. The export value that year was $160 million.