Giant textile exporter Bangladesh urges Trump to postpone tariffs

DHAKA, Bangladesh

Bangladesh has urged its top garment goods export destination, the US, to delay reciprocal tariffs of 37% for three months to prepare itself for the Trump administration’s new measures.

Transitional government head Muhammad Yunus made the call in a letter to President Donald Trump on Monday, adding that the “two sides have been working closely to identify specific actions.”

"We are eliminating certain testing requirements, rationalizing packaging, labelling and certification requirements and undertaking trade facilitation measures such as simplifying customs procedures and standards," Yunus was quoted as saying in the statement.

A separate letter detailing the actions by Bangladesh will be sent to the US trade representative soon, it added.

Bangladesh is the second-largest global garment exporter after China. The US is Bangladesh’s top export destination, with $8.4 billion in exports in 2024, including $7.34 billion in readymade garments.

The US announcement, however, has put the apparel industry in a worrisome situation as Bangladesh is facing a higher 37% tariff imposition than its competitive neighbors, including India (26%) and Pakistan (29%). ​​​​​​​