Bangladesh’s cotton import from India dipped further last year as locals moved to suppliers from North and West African countries to cut reliance on the neighboring country. In 2019, Bangladesh imported 18 per cent of its cotton from India, reveals data from the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA). However, last year, the country imported 41 per cent of its cotton requirement from East and West African countries.

According to BTMA, the main reason for this is the low quality of Indian cotton. Also, a section of Indian cotton traders doesn't maintain timely shipment and deliver the right quantity as per agreements. Due to this, over $8 billion worth primary textile sector in Bangladesh has to suffer. Such uncertainties emerged several times in the past. BTMA therefore urged India to minimize its contamination problems. Also, since Indian cotton prices are almost similar to other countries, importers are looking for sellers in Western and Eastern African countries.