BJSA pushes for raw jute export ban and enforcement of packaging law

BANGLADESH – The Bangladesh Jute Spinners Association (BJSA) has urged the government to impose a ban on raw jute exports and fully enforce the Mandatory Jute Packaging Act 2010 in an effort to safeguard the struggling jute industry.

The call was made during the association’s 464th board meeting in Dhaka, chaired by BJSA Chairman Tapas Pramanik.

The meeting highlighted that despite falling global demand for jute goods, the export of raw jute is driving up prices at home, making it difficult for local mills to procure the raw material at competitive rates.

Middlemen hoarding jute during the harvesting season were also flagged for creating artificial shortages.

Adding to the sector’s woes, exports through Indian land ports remain suspended, while anti-dumping duties imposed by India on jute goods have further squeezed Bangladesh’s export earnings.

Prioritizing the jute industry

The BJSA emphasized that jute deserves special policy attention, as it is one of four sectors, alongside leather, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals, earmarked for priority support following Bangladesh’s upcoming graduation from LDC status.

Declaring jute goods as agro-processed products and expanding export incentives, the association argued, would stimulate new market opportunities.

The association also called on the Jute Directorate to strengthen oversight of raw material pricing and payments while ensuring consistent supply of jute sacks.

Strict enforcement of the Jute Packaging Act, which requires several commodities to be packaged in jute sacks, was identified as critical to stabilizing domestic demand and supporting mill operations.

Push for raw jute export ban

BJSA and the Bangladesh Jute Mills Association (BJMA) agreed to jointly appeal to the government to halt raw jute exports.

The associations believe this would ease raw material shortages, curb speculative stockpiling, and allow mills to operate sustainably.

“Strict enforcement of packaging laws and a halt to raw jute exports would revitalize the jute industry and help restore export growth,” speakers at the meeting said.

If the government heeds BJSA’s call, Bangladesh’s packaging sector could see a significant boost, as wider adoption of jute sacks would reduce reliance on plastics and synthetics.

With global interest in sustainable alternatives rising, the move could also position Bangladesh more competitively in eco-friendly packaging markets.

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