Garment import curbs likely to make Bangladesh exports to India

India's decision to allow entry of ready-made garments from Bangladesh only through Kolkata and Nhava Sheva sea ports is likely to increase the cost of apparel imports from the neighbouring nation, textile industry bodies said on Sunday. They also termed the move a timely step towards preventing the dumping of foreign-made garments and strengthening India's self-reliance in apparel production. India on Saturday decided to allow entry of ready-made garments from Bangladesh only through Kolkata and Nhava Sheva sea ports and barred imports of a range of consumer items through land transit posts in the northeast a move that is set to significantly hit Dhaka's trade with New Delhi. Besides ready-made garments (RMG), cotton and cotton yard waste will not be allowed to enter India through land customs stations and check posts in Meghalaya, Assam. The new restrictions for Bangladeshi consumer goods came five weeks after New Delhi ended a nearly five-year-old arrangement for trans-shipment of Bangladeshi export cargo to third countries via Indian airports and ports. As per the trade data, India imported RMG worth USD 634 million in 2024, which has increased at a CAGR of 19 per cent during the last 10 years.