Indian Yarn Exporters Seek Alternative Routes Amid Land Port Ban
India’s textile sector braces for export challenges as land route closures disrupt trade with Bangladesh.
India’s textile industry is exploring alternative export routes as the recent land port restrictions have begun to affect the flow of yarn exports to Bangladesh. During a recent meeting, key yarn exporters held discussions with Bangladeshi buyers and evaluated the feasibility of transporting shipments via sea containers and inland waterways.
According to K. Selvaraju, Secretary General of the Southern India Mills’ Association (SIMA), approximately 45 percent of India’s total yarn exports are destined for Bangladesh. “Earlier, more than 100 million kilograms of yarn were exported every month. That number has now dropped to around 90 million kilograms,” he noted.
Traditionally, nearly 30 percent of the yarn exported to Bangladesh—mostly coloured and specialty yarns—was transported through land ports. The current restrictions have caused significant disruptions to this vital segment of trade.
“China and Bangladesh were the two major markets for Indian yarn. With China reducing its yarn imports from India and now the Bangladesh route facing hurdles, there is a risk of excess yarn flooding the domestic market. This could trigger a drop in prices and impact the entire textile value chain,” Selvaraju warned.
He also emphasized that textile mills in North India are already feeling the pinch due to the closure of land ports. If the situation persists, it could lead to widespread losses across the spinning sector nationwide.
Siddhartha Rajagopal, Executive Director of the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL), acknowledged the logistical challenges. “Shipping by sea takes more time, but about 70 percent of yarn exports to Bangladesh already rely on sea routes. Exporters who previously depended on land ports will now shift to maritime shipping. Smaller vessels also operate out of Kolkata, and we must explore those options more actively,” he said.
As stakeholders consider alternative logistics to maintain trade continuity, industry leaders stress the urgent need for government intervention and infrastructure support to mitigate the impact and ensure the sustainability of India’s yarn export sector.
