U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 37% tariff on Bangladeshi goods, doubling the previous average of 15%. This move forms part of a broader set of tariffs affecting over 100 countries and poses serious risks to Bangladesh’s garment sector, its largest export market. The announcement occurred during a press conference where Trump labeled it as the U.S.’s “Economic Liberation Day.”
On April 3, 2025, President Donald Trump announced significant new tariffs affecting products from more than 100 nations, with Bangladeshi goods facing a steep 37 percent import duty. This change marks an increase from the previous average rate of 15 percent, effectively more than doubling the tax on these imports.
As the largest market for Bangladeshi readymade garments, the United States plays a crucial role in Bangladesh’s export economy. In 2024, Bangladesh exported approximately $8.4 billion in goods to the U.S., with readymade garments accounting for around $7.34 billion of that total. Consequently, these new tariffs pose a significant threat to the country’s garment industry.
President Trump declared the tariff changes during a White House press conference, designating the day as the U.S.’s “Economic Liberation Day,” emphasizing the prolonged anticipation for such measures. Additionally, a list published by the White House indicates that Bangladesh enforces tariffs of up to 74 percent on U.S. products, leading to the decision for a 37 percent supplementary tariff on Bangladeshi goods entering the U.S. market.
The recent announcement of a 37 percent tariff on Bangladeshi goods by the U.S. marks a substantial increase impacting the country’s export sector, particularly its garment industry. This move by President Trump forms part of a broader strategy affecting numerous countries and highlights trade tensions influenced by reciprocal tariff rates between nations. With Bangladesh heavily reliant on U.S. markets for its garment exports, the implications of such tariffs warrant close examination by both policymakers and industry stakeholders.
Original Source: bdnews24.com
