Higher import tariffs drive up fruit prices in Bangladesh

The surge in dollar prices had already driven up fruit prices in the city's retail markets, and the imposition of high import tariffs in the current budget has now caused their prices to double compared to pre-Ukraine war or pandemic times. In Dhaka's retail markets, a kilogram of apples is currently priced between Tk300 and Tk320, which goes up by Tk40-Tk50 at super shops. Apple prices were almost half a year ago. Importers said they purchase one kilogram of apples or oranges for only Tk50 but face a duty of Tk90-Tk100 per kilogram. Wholesalers then buy these fruits from importers at Tk170-Tk190, which further increases to Tk300 or more at the retail level. Traders attribute the significant price hikes to the government's imposition of heavy duties on these imported products at various times. Essentially, the government is imposing tariffs twice the import cost of fruits, they said. Winter typically sees increased demand for tangerines, relying heavily on imports as local ...