Concerns over Bangladesh’s export opportunities amid Trump’s tariff policy
Mostafizur Rahman, an Honorary Fellow at the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD), has expressed serious concerns regarding the implications of US President Donald Trump’s tariff policy on Bangladesh’s export prospects. Speaking at a press conference on budget recommendations for the upcoming fiscal year, Rahman warned that the additional tariffs imposed by the US Government may significantly limit and stagnate Bangladesh’s export opportunities.
Rahman pointed out that the ongoing “tariff war” initiated by Trump could have detrimental effects on global economic growth, potentially leading to decreased demand in the United States. He stated, “The risk of falling demand among the American public could increase inflation in the US, which would in turn reduce their import needs. This decrease in demand will negatively impact countries like Bangladesh that rely on exports to the US market.”
He highlighted that while the US has imposed a 35 percent tariff on ready-made garments from China, these products are primarily made from man-made fibres, whereas Bangladesh’s clothing sector predominantly utilises cotton. “Bangladesh does not compete with Chinese products affected by these tariffs,” Rahman noted, emphasising the need to consider the diversity of ready-made garments, particularly in the underwear segment.
