BM Desk : In the past three months, approximately 900,000 articles of clothing have been imported from Pakistan, with a customs value of 520 million taka. This marks an increase of around 92,000 pieces compared to the same period last year.

A significant 97 percent of these imports consist of women’s clothing, including three-piece, two-piece, and one-piece outfits. Specifically, during the last three months (December to February), 735,000 pieces of three-piece garments were imported, along with 147,000 pieces of two-piece and one-piece clothing.

Traders have reported prices ranging from 1 to 10 dollars for the three-piece garments. However, customs authorities have deemed these prices unrealistic, resulting in duties being imposed at rates three to four times higher. For instance, clothing declared at a value of one dollar has been taxed as if it were worth four dollars, leading to a customs duty of 631 taka for each three-piece set.

Additionally, 4,139 Punjabi outfits have been imported from Pakistan for boys, with prices ranging from $3 to $10.

Beyond ready-made garments, other types of clothing are also being imported from Pakistan, primarily by garment exporters. While there are some commercial imports, they are relatively limited in quantity. Traders have also indicated that some clothing is being smuggled from Pakistan through unofficial channels.

In the past three months, 1,329,000 garments have been imported from India, with a customs value of Tk 450 million. This figure represents a decrease of approximately 450,000 pieces compared to the same timeframe prior to the last Ramadan.

Among the imported garments, 157,000 were three-piece outfits. In the corresponding period before the last Ramadan, 188,000 three-piece outfits were brought in. The average import price for these items this time is $3.08, or Tk 377, with an average duty and tax of Tk 728 per piece, resulting in a total price of Tk 1,105 per piece.

The highest quality three-piece outfits were imported at a cost of $12, or Tk 1,464, with duties and taxes amounting to Tk 1,925. Consequently, the total import value for these premium items reached Tk 3,389. In contrast, the most commonly imported three-piece outfits had an import value of Tk 731, inclusive of duties and taxes.

Additionally, imports of lehengas from India have seen a decline, with only 5,297 pieces imported this time. The average import value for lehengas is $17, and the average duty and tax per piece is Tk 4,332, leading to a total import cost of Tk 6,406 per piece.

On a positive note, saree imports from India have risen, with 128,000 pieces imported during the December-February period, compared to 118,000 pieces in the previous period. Furthermore, imports of Punjabi outfits have tripled, with 151,000 pieces of girls’ clothing and 461,000 pieces of children’s clothing imported.