DHAKA, Aug 24, 2023 (BSS) - The government has decided to allow the import of 
onions from nine other countries in addition to neighboring India.
 
The development comes after the Indian government on August 19 imposed a 40 
percent export duty on onions, with immediate effect, up to December 31 in an 
attempt to dampen local prices.

Talking to BSS today, Agriculture Secretary Wahida Akhter said permission has 
been given to allow import of onion from nine more countries so that there is 
no disruption in the supply chain of domestic markets due to imposition of 
the duty on onion exports by India.

"Despite imposition of duty by India, onion is being imported from the 
neighboring countries on regular basis," Wahida said hoping that there would 
be no crisis of onion in the local market with the latest move for allowing 
import of onion from nine more countries.

Bangladesh can now import 2,400 tonnes of onion from China, 3,910 tonnes from 
Egypt, 11,820 tonnes from Pakistan, 1,100 tonnes from Qatar, 2,110 tones from 
Turkey, 200 tonnes from Myanmar, 33 tonnes from Thailand, four tonnes from 
Netherlands and three tonnes from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according 
to a statement by the Ministry of Agriculture.

So far, some 3.79 lakh tonnes of onion have arrived in the country since 
being granted permission to import 13.73 lakh tonnes on June 5 this year.

Earlier on August 21, the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission recommended 
the withdrawal of the existing 10 percent (pc) duty on the import of onions 
to cool down the market heated up by India's export restrictions.

After India's 40pc export duty was imposed, the commission requested the 
National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the commerce secretary to take necessary 
measures regarding duty reduction.

At present, onion importers have to pay 5pc customs duty and 5pc advance 
income tax (AIT). The Tariff Commission has recommended withdrawing the duty 
till December 31.

The commerce ministry was also advised to emphasise the import of onions from 
alternative countries.
 
Previously, onions were imported from various countries such as Turkey, 
Egypt, Pakistan and Myanmar.