For decades, black pepper has been one of Bangladesh’s most import-dependent spices, forcing the country to spend millions of dollars annually to meet domestic demand. That reliance is gradually changing as commercial cultivation of black pepper expands across the country’s hill regions, although imports continue to dominate due to limited local production.
Initiatives from government agencies, agricultural researchers and private development organisations are driving black pepper farming in Chattogram and the Chattogram Hill Tracts. However, domestic output remains negligible compared with national demand, meaning traders and consumers still face rising costs from imports amid higher international prices and elevated taxes.
Analysis of National Board of Revenue (NBR) import data shows both the volume and cost of black pepper imports have risen significantly between 2021 and 14 May 2026. While cultivation grows domestically, foreign supplies remain critical to meet the country’s annual requirement.
Record imports were recorded in 2024, when Bangladesh imported 2,606.13 metric tonnes, the highest in recent years. Imports stood at 1,980.75 metric tonnes in 2021 before dropping to 1,464.21 tonnes in 2022. Volumes rebounded to 2,032.54 tonnes in 2023 and reached an all-time high in 2024. In 2025, imports totalled 2,479.53 tonnes, and by 14 May 2026, more than 1,009 tonnes had already entered the country, suggesting 2026 may again exceed 2,000 tonnes.
Rising international prices and increased duties have driven up import costs. In 2021, total import cost including duties and taxes was Tk482.24 per kg, or Tk482,238 per tonne. By 2024, the cost had climbed to Tk651.40 per kg, equivalent to Tk651,401 per tonne. In 2025, importers spent Tk744.86 per kg, or approximately Tk744,859 per tonne, a jump of more than Tk262 per kg from 2021. Data through mid-May 2026 show combined customs value and tax burden at Tk695.92 per kg, or Tk695,923 per tonne.
Despite growing cultivation interest, local production remains minimal. Md Masudul Haque, Principal Scientific Officer at the Regional Spice Research Centre of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), said annual domestic output is just 7–10 metric tonnes.
By contrast, Bangladesh’s annual black pepper demand is estimated at 2,000–2,500 tonnes, meaning nearly the entire requirement is imported. “If domestic production increases substantially, Bangladesh could save a significant amount in foreign exchange,” he said.
Imports are primarily sourced from India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. OPCA (Organization for the Poor Community Advancement) is expanding commercial black pepper cultivation.
Executive Director Md Alamgir said OPCA launched the first commercial project in 2017. It now spans large areas in Fatikchhari, Sitakunda, Mirsarai and Khagrachhari. More than 1,000 entrepreneurs are involved, along with independent farmers and investors. “Black pepper is emerging as a high-value spice crop. With proper policy support, it can reduce import dependence and eventually become an export-oriented commodity,” he said.
BARI has developed a high-yielding variety, BARI Golmorich-1, adapted to Bangladesh’s climate. Expansion programmes encourage cultivation alongside areca nut, coconut and other perennial crops in Sylhet, Chattogram and the Chattogram Hill Tracts. Training, quality seedling distribution and technical support are provided to growers. Retail prices in Bangladesh can reach Tk1,000 per kg. Pepper vines remain productive for 20–25 years, with mature plants yielding several kilograms of dried pepper annually.
