Bangladesh has exported far less hilsa to India this year ahead of Durga Puja, with only 11 percent of the permitted quantity making its way across the border.

The government had allowed export of 12 lakh kilograms of hilsa until October 5.

However, until Monday, only 1.3 lakh kg had been exported, generating $1.637 million or around Tk 20 crore, according to the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

This year, the Commerce Ministry approved 37 companies for hilsa export. Of them, 16 managed to ship consignments while the remaining 21 have not exported any.

Exports were carried out through Benapole and Akhaura land ports, which have now closed, leaving little chance for further shipment.

Lowest in a decade

NBR data shows that hilsa export to India began in 2019, when 4.76 lakh kg were shipped, fetching $3.9 million or Tk 33 crore. The highest shipment in the last seven years came in FY 2020–21, with 17 lakh kg exported and revenue reaching $13.4 million or Tk 139 crore. This year marks the lowest export volume since then.

For instance, Chattogram-based Pacific Sea Foods, which was permitted to export 40,000 kg, managed to send only 1,500 kg.

We planned to export hoping local prices would drop, but since they remained high, we refrained,” said company director Abdul Mannan.

Myanmar’s competitive edge

India’s hilsa market is increasingly dominated by Myanmar, where export prices are lower than Bangladesh.

In FY 2024–25, India imported 6.5 lakh kg of hilsa from Myanmar compared to 5.42 lakh kg from Bangladesh.

Export price floor

The Commerce Ministry set a minimum export price of $12.50 per kg (Tk 1,532). Exporters, however, could charge more if possible. Out of 45 consignments this year, 44 were shipped at the minimum price.

Only one shipment—from Rafid Enterprise of Charfashion, Bhola—was exported at a higher rate of $13.60 per kg.

Quota underutilization a pattern

Exports have consistently fallen short of permitted quotas. Last year, despite approval for 24 lakh kg, only 5.44 lakh kg were shipped. This year too, of the approved 12 lakh kg, merely 11 percent have been exported.

Exporters cite fluctuations in domestic demand and prices as the key factors behind the shortfall.