Commerce Minister seeks explanation from traders on why Malta oranges cost Tk 520 per kg

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has sought an explanation regarding the rise in the retail price of Malta oranges to Tk 520 per kilogram. Questioning the justification for such a high price—even after accounting for import costs, duties, and other expenses—he ordered action to be taken if evidence of unreasonable pricing is found.

The Minister made these remarks on Saturday (October 3) during a meeting at the Ministry of Commerce Secretariat, where he discussed fruit supplies and market prices with traders and representatives of relevant government agencies.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the current market price of Malta oranges during the meeting. He asked traders to explain how the price reaches Tk 520 per kg after factoring in import and incidental costs.

Simultaneously, the Commerce Minister instructed the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection to take action if evidence of selling Malta oranges at unreasonably high prices is found.

Why has the price of Malta oranges risen?

Traders claim that a supply shortage is a primary reason for the price hike. According to their data, only 12 to 29 containers of Malta oranges arrived in the country during certain weeks, whereas meeting normal demand requires approximately 15 containers daily.

Importers state that many have reduced imports due to high tariffs, transportation costs, shipping and port complications, and losses incurred on previous shipments. As Malta oranges are perishable, there are also financial risks associated with transportation and storage.

Urging increased market supply

After hearing the traders' views, the Commerce Minister assured them that the issue of tariffs on Malta oranges would be reviewed. He also urged them to increase imports from alternative countries and to open Letters of Credit (LCs) promptly to boost market supply over the coming weeks.

Traders were also advised to begin preparations for importing dates, keeping future demand in mind. The Commerce Minister stated that the government's decision regarding tariffs and taxes on date imports would be announced this week. **Initiative to Address Date Valuation for Customs Purposes**

The government has taken steps to resolve the long-standing complexities surrounding the determination of the assessment value—or customs valuation—for dates. The Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission is set to hold a meeting with importers on this matter within the next few days.

An initiative will be undertaken to determine a rational benchmark price by verifying the international source prices of dates across various qualities and grades. Subsequently, the proposal is scheduled to be submitted to the National Board of Revenue.

According to the Commerce Minister, the customs valuation system should be structured to ensure that traders do not fall victim to unreasonable valuations. At the same time, measures must be in place to prevent revenue evasion through the declaration of artificially low prices.

Representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, the National Board of Revenue, the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission, the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, and fruit importers attended the meeting.