Skip to content 
India and Bangladesh share a significant and growing trade relationship. As neighboring countries in South Asia, their economic ties are deeply intertwined, spanning a wide range of industries from textiles to machinery, and agricultural products to minerals. In this article, we will explore the products that India imports from Bangladesh and those that Bangladesh imports from India, analyzing how these imports contribute to the economic development of both nations.
Introduction to India-Bangladesh Trade
India and Bangladesh have maintained a long-standing trade relationship. Over the years, this relationship has expanded significantly, facilitated by favorable geographical proximity, shared cultural ties, and agreements to boost economic cooperation. As of recent reports, trade between the two countries has grown substantially, bolstered by both formal agreements and informal cross-border trade.
In 2023, India’s imports from Bangladesh totaled approximately $1.89 billion, while Bangladesh’s imports from India were valued at $5.88 billion. These figures reflect a dynamic trade flow between the two nations, contributing to their economic growth and fostering closer ties in various sectors.
India’s Imports from Bangladesh
India imports a range of products from Bangladesh, primarily focusing on textiles, jute, and agricultural products. The import volume from Bangladesh has been growing, and the following categories stand out:
1. Textiles and Apparel
One of the largest categories of imports from Bangladesh to India is textiles. Bangladesh is a global hub for garment manufacturing, and its textile products are highly sought after worldwide. India imports various textile products from Bangladesh, both woven and knitted.
- Articles of Apparel (Not Knit or Crocheted): India imports substantial amounts of non-knitted apparel from Bangladesh. These items include ready-made garments, which are often exported as part of Bangladesh’s strong textile and garment manufacturing industry. The total value of these imports stood at $425.38 million in 2023.
- Articles of Apparel (Knit or Crocheted): In addition to non-knitted apparel, India also imports a significant quantity of knitted or crocheted garments, valued at $236.66 million. This segment of Bangladesh’s textile exports includes T-shirts, sweaters, and other knitted products.
The textile industry in Bangladesh benefits from competitive labor costs, advanced manufacturing techniques, and compliance with international quality standards. As a result, Bangladesh has become one of the largest exporters of textiles in the world, and India is a key market for these products.
2. Jute and Jute Products
Bangladesh is the world’s largest exporter of jute, a natural fiber used in the production of various goods such as bags, ropes, carpets, and mats. India, being one of the largest consumers of jute products, imports a significant volume of raw jute and finished goods from Bangladesh.
- Vegetable Textile Fibers (Jute): India imports jute and jute products from Bangladesh, amounting to $218.30 million in 2023. Jute, being a sustainable and eco-friendly material, is used extensively in industries such as packaging, agriculture, and textiles. The demand for jute products has increased, especially as companies and consumers shift toward more sustainable alternatives.
3. Leather Products
Bangladesh also exports a variety of leather products to India, contributing to the country’s growing leather industry. These products include footwear, bags, and accessories.
- Articles of Leather, Animal Gut, Harness, Travel Goods: In 2023, India imported leather goods worth $101.39 million from Bangladesh. The country’s leather industry is increasingly recognized for its high-quality products, especially in the international markets.
India’s demand for leather products is driven by both the domestic market and exports, making Bangladesh an important source for these goods.
4. Fish and Seafood
Bangladesh has a rich coastline and a thriving fishing industry. Seafood exports to India include both fresh and processed fish products, which are in high demand in the Indian market due to their quality and freshness.
- Fish, Crustaceans, Molluscs, and Aquatic Invertebrates: India imported $46.66 million worth of seafood from Bangladesh in 2023. The seafood trade between the two countries is growing as demand for high-quality fish and seafood increases in India.
5. Footwear and Gaiters
Footwear is another category where Bangladesh has shown its manufacturing prowess. The country exports various types of footwear, including leather shoes, sandals, and slippers, to India.
- Footwear, Gaiters, and the Like: India’s imports of footwear from Bangladesh were valued at $70.75 million in 2023. The growing middle class in India, along with a demand for affordable, stylish footwear, has led to a boost in imports from Bangladesh.
6. Miscellaneous Products
In addition to textiles, leather, and seafood, India also imports a variety of other goods from Bangladesh. These include items like vegetable oils, plastic products, and worn clothing.
- Other Made Textile Articles, Sets, Worn Clothing: India imported $149.39 million worth of various textile products, including worn clothing, from Bangladesh.
- Animal and Vegetable Fats and Oils: These products were valued at $66.69 million in 2023.
Bangladesh’s Imports from India
Bangladesh imports a broader range of goods from India, covering essential commodities like fuel and raw materials, machinery, and consumer products. India plays a vital role in supplying critical goods to Bangladesh’s growing economy.
1. Mineral Fuels and Oils
A significant portion of Bangladesh’s imports from India comprises mineral fuels, oils, and distillation products. India supplies a large amount of petroleum and other fuel products to meet Bangladesh’s growing energy demands.
- Mineral Fuels, Oils, Distillation Products: In 2023, Bangladesh imported $2.19 billion worth of fuel products from India. This includes crude oil, refined petroleum products, and natural gas. The growing demand for energy to support industrial growth and power generation makes fuel imports a critical part of the trade relationship.
2. Cotton
Cotton is another essential import from India, as Bangladesh has a significant textile industry that requires raw materials for its garment manufacturing. India, being one of the largest producers of cotton, is a reliable supplier for Bangladesh’s cotton needs.
- Cotton: Bangladesh imported $2.18 billion worth of cotton from India in 2023. The textile and garment sector in Bangladesh is heavily dependent on cotton imports, and India’s proximity and production capacity make it the primary supplier.
3. Food Products
Bangladesh also imports various agricultural products from India, including vegetables, sugar, and rice, to meet the demand of its growing population.
- Edible Vegetables and Certain Roots and Tubers: These imports were valued at $464.31 million in 2023. Vegetables, particularly potatoes, onions, and pulses, are essential for Bangladesh’s food security.
- Sugars and Sugar Confectionery: Bangladesh imported $391.60 million worth of sugar and confectioneries from India. As one of the largest producers of sugar, India plays an essential role in Bangladesh’s sugar supply.
4. Vehicles and Machinery
India also supplies a variety of machinery, equipment, and vehicles to Bangladesh to support its industrialization and infrastructure development.
- Vehicles Other Than Railway or Tramway: Bangladesh imported $593.97 million worth of vehicles from India. This includes trucks, buses, and automobiles that are necessary for the transportation sector.
- Machinery, Nuclear Reactors, Boilers: This category was valued at $552.41 million in 2023. Machinery imports include equipment for various industries such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture.
5. Chemicals and Fertilizers
Chemicals and fertilizers are essential for Bangladesh’s agricultural sector, which is the backbone of its economy. India supplies a wide range of these products to Bangladesh.
- Organic Chemicals: Bangladesh imported $369.71 million worth of organic chemicals, which are essential for the manufacturing sector, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, and food production.
6. Iron and Steel
India’s steel industry is a major contributor to Bangladesh’s infrastructure development. Bangladesh imports a variety of iron and steel products, including billets, bars, and sheets.
- Iron and Steel: Bangladesh’s imports of iron and steel from India were valued at $287.42 million in 2023. The demand for these products comes from the construction, automotive, and manufacturing industries in Bangladesh.
India and Bangladesh’s trade relationship is robust, dynamic, and mutually beneficial. India imports key products from Bangladesh, including textiles, jute, seafood, and leather, while Bangladesh relies on India for essential goods such as fuel, cotton, machinery, and chemicals. This trade flow has helped both economies grow, with India benefitting from Bangladesh’s low-cost textile exports and Bangladesh relying on India’s raw materials and industrial goods to fuel its economic growth.
The bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh is expected to continue growing as both countries seek to strengthen their economic ties. With continued collaboration, investment in infrastructure, and improvements in trade agreements, the future of India-Bangladesh trade looks promising, paving the way for deeper economic integration in South Asia.