Meat importers for lifting import duty, tariff value

Against the backdrop of the unexpectedly high global inflation’s spillover effect, Bangladesh Meat Importers and Traders Association has urged the government to withdraw the supplementary duty and tariff value imposed on meat and offal imports.

It says the move is necessary to help meet local demand for meat.

The association sent a letter, signed by its General Secretary Amzad Hossen, to the finance secretary recently, explaining the supplementary duty hinders legal imports and also increases import costs.

Besides, the government is unable to stop the imports of bovine animals through illegal channels, such as bringing them in as contraband through borders without opening letters of credit, the letter said.

It said the local syndicate plays a crucial role in controlling the domestic meat market and raises prices gradually. Consumers will no longer be able to afford meat if this continues.

“Around 1,800 kilogrammes of meat and offal were imported per month in the 2020-21 fiscal year. But imports decreased after the government imposed a 20 per cent supplementary duty and $5 tariff value (minimum value) on per kg imports for the first time in FY22,” the letter said.

“As a result, meat prices have increased by Tk 130, reaching more than Tk 650 per kg in the market, while the price was Tk 500-520 per kg in July and August last year. Prices may reach Tk 900-1,000 in the future.”

The association further said increasing meat imports as well as local production were required to maintain a balance between demand and supply,

“Importing meat and offal will not threaten local production. Instead, bringing in cow and buffalo through illegal channels is an actual threat to local farmers,” it said.

It also said only around 10 per cent of the country’s annual meat consumption requirement can be met due to scarcity, adding per capita annual consumption is 4.5kg while the required amount is 43.8kg.