Production and Export Pattern of Jute in The Early 21st Century of Bangladesh

Once upon a time, jute was the golden fiber of Bangladesh. The country used to earn the highest amount of foreign currency by exporting jute and jute goods. However, starting in the 1980s, due to lack of proper policy and declining global demand, export earnings from jute fell significantly. Synthetic substitutes were one of the major threats. But currently the situation is totally different because of serious concerns about environmental pollution. Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, Lokman Hossain Mia said that the interest of jute product is increasing because people of Western countries including Europe are increasingly using the natural fibers in different industries and in day-to-day life. At present jute is the second largest export earning sector next to RMG of Bangladesh. The sector has an average contribution of 3% in our export earnings and 1% in GDP. Moreover, though RMG sector is the highest contributor in our economy in terms of export earnings, it is to be remembered that 1 Dollar of export earnings from Jute sector is tantamount to that of 4 Dollar from RMG sector since each 100 Dollar export of RMG item requires 55-60 Dollar import of raw materials. Different tables and charts have been used to represent the findings of the study. The data sources have been reported in each table and chart. This study was conducted in the months of April, May and June 2025. In this study I used secondary data published in both printed and electronic sources. This study is descriptive, conceptual and depends on historical facts and figures. Finally, this paper suggests some policies to achieve our ancient fame of golden fiber.