B Mirror Report: The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has welcomed the signing of a reciprocal tariff agreement between Bangladesh and the United States, calling it a positive step for the country’s export-oriented garment sector.

The agreement comes after nine months of intensive negotiations between the two nations. In a press release today, BGMEA expressed gratitude to both the US government and Bangladesh’s interim government for their efforts in finalizing the deal.

The association specifically thanked Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin, and Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman for their leadership during the negotiation process. BGMEA also acknowledged the support of the US Embassy in Dhaka and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

According to preliminary information, the agreement reduces reciprocal tariffs on Bangladeshi exports to the US from 20 percent to 19 percent. Garments made in Bangladesh using cotton and man-made fibres imported from the US will be exempt from these tariffs, potentially improving Bangladesh’s access to the American market.

BGMEA stressed that proper evaluation and traceability systems must be in place to fully benefit from the provision allowing the use of US-origin raw materials. While US cotton is considered high-quality, it is more expensive than local options. The association noted that if domestic spinning mills can provide competitively priced yarn, the agreement could open significant opportunities for export growth.

The BGMEA also mentioned that it has not yet received the complete details of the final agreement. Once the government provides the relevant documents, the association plans to convene an emergency meeting of its members and hold further discussions with the US Embassy and USTR to determine the next steps.