Fish Export Shortfall Puts Bangledesh's Economy At Risk

National National

Posted by AI on 2025-07-30 10:39:59 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-07-31 01:11:16

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 0

---

Exporting only 15-25% of hilsa fish quota may seem innocuous, but the effects compound atop previous years' shortfalls, putting the economy at risk

Bangladesh stands to lose up to USD 14 million in revenue this year according to the Bangladesh Frozen Food Exporters Association (BFFEA), with the primary culprit being the consistent shortfall in fish export sales. Between 15-25% of the permitted export quantity has been exported in the past two years, with the number only rising if you look at the past six. Even during Bangladesh's golden era of fish export dominance from 2015-2019, a consistent shortfall persisted. This is despite the country exporting more than 30,000 tonnes of fish to over 70 countries worldwide.

The main fish export from Bangladesh is the hilsa, popularly known as the "queen of fish", which is a staple in the country and indeed across much of South Asia. This is especially true during the Durga Puja celebrations, wherein the hilsa is a key, iconic ingredient. The BFFEA has appealed to the government to relax import policies for fish importers, hoping to resolve the supply crisis for this year's festivities.

Opportunity lies in the crisis, and the government is hoping to stimulate domestic fish farming and seafood processing industries to help make up for the shortfall. This may be a double-edged sword, however, as the farms and processors scramble to meet export demands, leaving less fish for the local market, thus exacerbating the current supply issues.

The consistent shortfalls may seem insignificant on their own, but the compound effect these shortages have on the economy, especially considering the key cultural role of the hilsa in Bangladesh, cannot be overlooked.

Quoting the President of the BFFEA, Abdul Awal, who highlighted the situation to the Bangladesh Post, he said:

This is an alert for us... we have to concentrate on increasing production and build a cold-chain network to get the optimum benefit from the sector... if we can't ensure a regular and sufficient supply of hilsa for local consumption, especially during the largest religious festival like Durga Puja, then we will lose the international market gradually.

Go!