BM Desk :Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser, has received a letter from US President Donald Trump. “I have decided to impose a 35 percent tax on Bangladeshi goods entering the United States,” he wrote in the letter. which is going to take effect on August 1.

In the letter, Trump stated, ‘Dear Dr. Yunus, I am truly honored to send you this correspondence. The United States has committed to continuing our collaboration with Bangladesh, recognizing the strength and dedication of our trade relationship, as well as the considerable trade deficit with your esteemed nation. However, future trade must be more equitable and balanced. Therefore, we extend an invitation for you to engage in the remarkable economy of the United States, the leading market globally. Our trade relationship with Bangladesh has been a topic of discussion for many years, and we have determined that it is essential to address the longstanding and persistent trade deficit caused by Bangladesh’s tariff and non-tariff policies, along with trade barriers.’

He also mentioned, “Beginning August 1, 2025, we will implement a 35 percent tariff on all Bangladeshi goods imported into the United States. Any products shipped to circumvent the higher tariff will also incur that increased tariff. Please recognize that the 35 percent tariff is significantly lower than what is required to rectify our trade deficit with your nation. As you are aware, if companies from Bangladesh or your country choose to manufacture or produce goods within the United States, they will not face any tariffs.”

He further wrote, “Should you decide to raise tariffs on US goods for any reason, the amount you wish to increase will be added to the 35 percent tariff we have established.” It is important to understand that these tariffs are essential to address the numerous years of tariff and non-tariff policies and trade barriers from Bangladesh, which have resulted in this unsustainable trade deficit with the United States. This deficit poses a significant threat to our economy and, indeed, our national security.

Trump also stated, We anticipate collaborating with you as a trading partner for an extended period. Should you be open to allowing access to your previously restricted trading markets for the United States and remove your nation’s tariff and non-tariff policies as well as trade barriers, we might contemplate a revision of this letter. These tariffs can be modified either upwards or downwards based on our relationship with your nation. You will always find the United States to be reliable. Thank you for your consideration regarding this issue.

Earlier in April, Trump enacted a 37 percent tariff on goods from Bangladesh, which came into effect on April 9. However, in light of the volatile global economic conditions, he decided to suspend these tariffs for a period of 3 months, set to conclude on July 9. Prior to this, he had introduced a new 35 percent tariff on Bangladeshi products.