India Bans Jute Imports from Bangladesh via Land Routes

India has imposed new restrictions banning the import of certain jute products and related goods from Bangladesh through all land border crossings, effective immediately. These imports are now only allowed via the Nhava Sheva Seaport in Maharashtra, as stipulated by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The ban covers a wide range of jute-related items including bleached and unbleached woven fabrics, twine, ropes, sacks, yarn, and fibers. This measure extends earlier restrictions from April, May, and June 2025 that similarly limited Bangladeshi imports such as ready-made garments, processed foods, and revoked transshipment facilities. The actions come amid strained bilateral relations, triggered in part by controversial remarks from Bangladesh's interim government head Muhammad Yunus, and reflect ongoing trade tensions between the two neighbors. Bangladesh is a significant exporter of jute products to India, making this ban a notable development in their economic ties.