BM Desk : A chart released by the White House today indicates that the US government asserts Bangladesh imposes a 74 percent tariff on American goods. In retaliation, a 37 percent “discounted reciprocal tariff” will be applied to Bangladeshi products entering the US market.

This action is part of Trump’s “Liberation Day” initiative, which seeks to address what the administration considers unfair trade practices by countries that maintain high barriers to US exports. The policy establishes a baseline tariff of 10 percent on all imports, with significantly elevated rates for countries identified as engaging in currency manipulation, protectionism, or other non-tariff barriers.

This announcement is expected to significantly affect Bangladesh, whose economy relies heavily on exports, especially garments, to the US, its largest export market. Industry leaders in Dhaka have voiced concerns that the high tariff could diminish the country’s competitive edge.

India, another key trading partner in South Asia, will also be impacted by this policy. The US has implemented a 26 percent reciprocal tariff on Indian goods, citing a 52 percent barrier on American exports to India. Pakistan will face a 29 percent tariff under this policy, reflecting what the administration claims is a 58 percent trade barrier against US products.

The White House has justified the new tariff framework as a necessary adjustment to what it perceives as years of imbalanced trade relations. However, critics, including economists and various trade organizations, warn that this policy may provoke retaliatory actions and increase expenses for American businesses and households.

Under this policy, Bangladesh faces a 37 percent tariff, ranking it among the most heavily penalized nations, just behind Cambodia at 49 percent and Sri Lanka at 44 percent.

China, a longstanding target of US trade measures, will incur a 34 percent tariff, while the European Union will be subject to a 20 percent tax. Vietnam, another significant player in global trade, will face a 46 percent tariff on its exports to the United States.