Bangladesh's vegetable exports have made a dramatic comeback, growing over 313% in the 2024-25 fiscal year. According to the Plant Quarantine Centre at Chittagong Seaport, sea shipments reached 58,766 metric tons, up from just 14,202 tons the previous year. This rebound comes after years of instability and soaring prices had sidelined many exporters, as reported by CitizensVoiceBD.
Potatoes led the charge, accounting for over 40,000 tons of exports, followed by cabbage, sweet pumpkin, pepper, and other fresh produce. Around 20,000 tons of potatoes were also exported to Nepal via the Banglabandha land port, breaking India's previous monopoly on the route.
The use of air-conditioned sea containers has significantly reduced transportation costs and opened new export possibilities. Most shipments head to Malaysia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other Middle Eastern countries, mainly serving the South Asian diaspora and restaurants.
Exporters are hopeful but cautious. High air freight costs, especially to Europe and the U.S., and the gradual removal of government subsidies are key concerns. Industry leaders believe that with the right policy support, Bangladesh has the potential to further scale up vegetable exports and become a major player in the global produce market.
Source: CitizensVoicebd.com
