Australia's air cargo ban to hit exporters

Bangladesh's trade with Australia will be disrupted by the recent ban on air shipments to the continent, exporters said yesterday.

Australia has imposed the ban on air shipments from Bangladesh, Syria, Egypt, Yemen and Somalia for security reasons, effective from December 19. The embargo will remain in force until further notice.

The restrictions apply equally to air cargo carried on passenger and freight aircraft, Australia's Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development said in a notice.

The restrictions are a “preventive security measure”, based on the Australian government's “understanding of the threat and risk environment in these countries”, it said.

“We fear losses of business with Australia,” said Hedayetullah Al Mamoon, senior secretary to the commerce ministry, adding that a meeting has already been held with the civil aviation and foreign ministries to examine the issue.

The government will now write to its Australian counterpart, he said. “We will explain the situation as Bangladesh has strong business ties with Australia,” Mamoon added.

Last fiscal year, Bangladesh exported products worth $606.88 million to Australia, with apparel items accounting for $533.62 million, according to data from the Export Promotion Bureau.

“We are worried about the restriction as Australia is a very good market for us,” said Siddiqur Rahman, president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association.

At present, Bangladeshi garment items enjoy zero-duty access to Australia.

Rahman said the ban comes during the peak shipment period for garment exporters.

Subsequently, the businessmen have held meetings with officials of the ministries of civil aviation and tourism, commerce and foreign affairs to express their concerns.