News Highlights
Bangladesh faces mounting pressure as new US tariffs on exports are set to take effect on August 1, 2025, following delays in trade negotiations. While countries like Vietnam moved quickly to rebalance trade and secured lower tariff rates, Bangladesh sought more time and lost critical momentum. With ready-made garments and consumer goods at stake, the risk to exports, foreign reserves, and investor confidence is significant. The article argues that urgent, decisive action is still possible through increased imports of key US goods and stronger economic diplomacy. Recent steps, including aircraft and wheat purchases, are positive but late. A coordinated strategy involving government, exporters, and diaspora influence is now essential to limit damage and protect Bangladesh’s largest export market.
US Tariff Clock is Ticking
– Written by, Co-founder and CEO of Accfintax
Sometimes, what you do not do ends up costing more than what you do. Right now, Bangladesh is feeling the weight of that truth.
In April, the Trump administration imposed sharp tariffs on exports from countries with large trade surpluses against the US. Bangladesh was on that list. But hidden behind that announcement was a chance to negotiate: to act smart, fast and boldly.
Vietnam saw that chance and took it. Within days, it cut tariffs on US goods, signalling a willingness to balance trade. The result? Its own tariff was lowered to 20 percent, the best rate secured so far. Bangladesh, in contrast, asked for 90 days, and waited.
Now, with only days left before the new rates take effect, we are at the table late and with weaker cards. Other countries like Indonesia, Cambodia and Tunisia have not received final rates either, but they have been active, meeting allies, opening back channels, using trade platforms. Bangladesh has not shown the same urgency. That must change.
The White House has made it clear: the new tariff regime starts on August 1, 2025. That deadline is locked in. Our time is nearly up.
There is still space for damage control, but only if we act with clarity and speed. We can still adjust trade by importing two to three billion dollars’ worth of key US goods, agricultural machinery, aviation tech, medical devices, fertiliser, LNG, ICT equipment. These are not token purchases. They support our own economy.
This should not be a one-off fix. Our strategy must include a regular import commitment aligned with what we export to the US; goods we truly need for industrial growth, energy efficiency and food security. A balanced flow would strengthen trust and resilience in trade.
Read the full original column by Ahmed Humayun Murshed in The Daily Star:
🔗 US Tariff Clock is Ticking