US slaps 10% tariff on Bangladeshi goods
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
United States has imposed new additional tariffs on products from 60 trade partners worldwide, including Bangladesh.
Effective as of Friday, the decision places a 10 percent additional tariff on Bangladeshi goods.
According to the White House, these tariffs target countries that have not adopted stringent measures, similar to those of the US, to prevent the trade of products manufactured using forced labor.
Analysts point out that a significant portion of Bangladesh’s total exports comes from the ready-made garment (RMG) sector, with the US serving as one of its primary export markets.
As a result, the implementation of the new 10 percent additional tariff could heighten pressure on Bangladesh’s export competitiveness, particularly regarding price competition within the garment industry.
It may bring renewed importance for Bangladesh to more strictly adhere to international standards regarding labor rights, supply chain transparency, and the prevention of forced labor.
A report by Reuters indicates that the administration of President Donald Trump took the step as part of a broader effort to restructure the global trade system.
Trump administration officials said the objective of the new tariffs is not only to reduce the trade deficit but also to prevent human rights violations and unfair commercial advantages.
According to the new decision, certain products will remain exempt from these tariffs. These include fuel oil and gas, fertilizers, some food items, and goods already subject to separate tariff systems under national security, such as automobiles, steel, aluminum, and copper.
