Despite the resumption of rice imports through Hili land port, importers are refusing to clear consignments from customs, citing heavy financial losses under the current 62.5 per cent import duty.
Importers at the Dinajpur-based port said that although the government has permitted rice imports, the duty and associated taxes remain too high to make the trade viable. Many traders had opened letters of credit in anticipation of a duty cut, but have paused further imports from India, reports UNB.
Between Tuesday and Wednesday noon, 15 Indian trucks arrived with rice consignments, but none were released from customs. Importers say the present duty adds around Tk 31 per kg, pushing total landed costs to Tk 95–96 per kg against Indian purchase prices of Tk 63–65 per kg.
They urged the government to restore the earlier 2 per cent duty to facilitate imports. The government has authorised private imports of 5 lakh metric tonnes of parboiled and Atap rice to stabilise supply, granting permission to 242 importers in the first phase on August 10.
M/s Sayram International owner Lalit Keshra said importing rice at the current duty was “not feasible” and warned that the total cost would exceed Tk 100 per kg. M/s Mifa International owner Abul Bashar said no importer would proceed with letters of credit unless duties were lowered.
Mithun Saha, who brought in 125 tonnes expecting a cut, said releasing it now would mean “major losses”. Importers warned that without a reduction, imported rice would not be cheaper than domestic stocks, undermining the government’s aim.
As of Wednesday noon, 32 importers had obtained permits to bring in 45,000 tonnes from India, said Plant Quarantine Centre official Yusuf Ali.
Hili Customs assistant revenue officer Md Nazmul Hossain confirmed no duty change had been ordered by the National Board of Revenue, meaning the 62.5 per cent rate remains in force for all clearances.