Trade analysts are urging Bangladesh and India to urgently reopen key land trade routes, saying current restrictions have increased costs for exporters and disrupted supply chains.
Indian restrictions have forced Bangladeshi goods to reroute through Chattogram Port, raising freight and logistics expenses by an estimated 25 percent, according to industry estimates. The added costs have affected the competitiveness of smaller export sectors, including jute and processed food.
Land ports that once supported the majority of cross-border commerce have seen shipments fall by more than half, with local economies near the border reporting job losses tied to the downturn. Analysts say reopening these routes would help ease pressure on supply chains, reduce transportation costs and allow faster movement of goods during emergencies.
For India, the issue comes amid increasing global trade pressure. With President Donald Trump’s administration having imposed high tariffs on Indian exports, experts say strengthening affordable regional trade with Bangladesh could serve both economic and strategic interests.
Analysts and trade groups in both countries have called on their governments to prioritize reopening land ports, emphasizing that efficient, low-cost trade is key to long-term growth and regional stability.