Bangladesh imports hilsa from India amid domestic production decline

Bangladesh has begun importing hilsa fish from India due to a significant decline in domestic production. This marks a reversal of the traditional trade flow, where Bangladesh typically exported hilsa to India.

Traders report that approximately 500 metric tonnes of hilsa have been exported from India to Bangladesh over the last two months, with an additional 150 to 200 tonnes expected in the coming weeks. The supplies are primarily sourced from Gujarat via Bharuch port and from the Howrah wholesale market in West Bengal.

Fish from Gujarat is particularly sought after in Bangladeshi markets like Chattogram and Sylhet because of its high roe content. Beyond local consumption, some imported fish is being processed for re-export, while others are sold as salted hilsa.

The domestic shortage in Bangladesh has led to rising prices, with some consumers reporting costs significantly higher than previous years. Researchers attribute the decline in hilsa catches to factors including excessive fishing, pollution, underwater shoals, and the use of fine-mesh nets.