Bangladesh’s fresh vegetable exports fell by 25 per cent in July-November 2008 against the prior-year period due to a sliding pound sterling and a failure to meet certain phytosanitary requirements enforced in its main export market the UK, reports thedailystar.net.
In the five-month period of the current fiscal year, the value of Bangladesh’s vegetable shipments fell to US$21.78m from US$29.17m a year ago, the publication said.
“We are bearing the brunt of falling pound against the taka,” Mohammed Monsur, general secretary of Bangladesh Fruits, Vegetables & Allied Products Exporters Association, is quoted as saying.
“Once we got over Tk135 for each pound stirling, which now values below Tk100. It's worrying,” said Mr Monsur, who resumed exports last month after a three-week suspension on the back of weak pound.
Besides a weakening pound, the destruction of some Bangladeshi produce shipments by British authorities over a failure to comply with UK phytosanitary requirements also dented exports in that period, thedailystar.net said.
Bangladesh's fresh fruits and vegetables are exported mainly to the UK and the Middle East. Aubergine, lime, bottle guard, bitter guard, bean and cucumber represent the main export items.
