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Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday has sent a letter to US President Donald Trump, urging him to postpone the implementation of a 37% tariff on Bangladeshi products entering the US market. The Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO) confirmed the development.
In his letter, Prof. Yunus requested a three-month delay on the application of US reciprocal tariff measures, to allow the interim government to smoothly implement its plans to boost US exports to Bangladesh. The Chief Adviser emphasized that Bangladesh is the first country to take such proactive steps. He referred to the visit of High Representative Dr. Khalilur Rahman to Washington DC in February, which marked the beginning of closer cooperation between the two nations.
Since then, both sides have been working together to identify specific actions. Notably, Bangladesh has entered into a multi-year agreement to import liquefied natural gas from the US.
Bangladesh’s primary initiative involves significantly increasing imports of US agricultural products such as cotton, wheat, corn, and soybeans, which will benefit US farmers. Bangladesh already offers the lowest tariffs on most US exports within the South Asian region.
Additionally, Prof. Yunus mentioned that further tariff reductions on key US products, including gas turbines, semiconductors, and medical equipment, are being planned. Bangladesh also intends to build duty-free bonded warehouses specifically for cotton, aiming to enhance US market access.
The Chief Adviser outlined steps to streamline trade processes, including eliminating certain testing requirements, simplifying packaging, labeling, and certification processes, and improving customs procedures and standards.
“We are committed to taking all necessary actions to fully support your trade agenda,” Prof. Yunus assured President Trump.
A separate letter detailing Bangladesh’s actions will soon be sent by the Commerce Advisor to the US Trade Representative, according to the statement.
