In a significant shift in regional fish trade, India has exported approximately 500 tonnes of hilsa fish to Bangladesh over the past two months. This marks a notable reversal, as Bangladesh traditionally supplies hilsa to India, especially ahead of festivals like Durga Puja.
Why the Reversal in Hilsa Trade?
The unusual flow of hilsa from India to Bangladesh is primarily driven by lower hilsa production in Bangladesh this year. Concurrently, Indian traders have found a strong market for Gujarat-sourced hilsa in Bangladesh, particularly in regions like Chattogram and Sylhet. This specific variety of hilsa, known for its high roe content, has limited demand in the Indian domestic market but is highly prized by Bangladeshi consumers.
Syed Anwar Maqsood, secretary of the Howrah Wholesale Fish Importers' Association, confirmed the development, stating, "This is the first time hilsa from our country is being exported to Bangladesh. It is a welcome development. Most of the catch is from Gujarat." He added that Bangladeshi traders process some of the imported fish, extracting roe for re-export or drying the fish to sell as salted hilsa.
Logistics and Future Outlook
Most of the consignments originated from Gujarat and were shipped through Bharuch port, with some supplies also moving via the Howrah wholesale fish market in West Bengal. An additional 150-200 tonnes are expected to be exported in the coming weeks, further solidifying this new trade dynamic.
This development comes as Bangladesh has currently paused its hilsa exports to India. Historically, hilsa imports from Bangladesh to India have faced restrictions, with limited quantities permitted only during specific periods like Durga Puja. For instance, in September 2024, Bangladesh allowed 2,420 tonnes for export to India, but only 577 tonnes were imported. Similar discrepancies were observed in previous years.
Pradip Dey, director of the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, views the export of Indian hilsa as a "strong market signal." He suggests this could present opportunities for India's hilsa industry, particularly in West Bengal, to develop more sustainable fisheries management, improve post-harvest processing, enhance cold-chain infrastructure, and strengthen market linkages.
While the trade flow has currently reversed, a delegation from India's Fish Importers Association recently visited Dhaka to urge Bangladesh to lift its restrictions on hilsa exports to India, indicating a desire to restore traditional trade alongside exploring new opportunities.