By Tanvir Rusmat, Dhaka
Bangladesh is reassessing its recent trade understanding with the United States following fresh uncertainty surrounding US tariff policy. Officials in Dhaka are reviewing the Bangladesh–US reciprocal trade arrangement signed on 9 February, under which tariffs on certain Bangladeshi exports were reduced to 19%, with some categories scheduled for further cuts.
According to local reporting, the commerce ministry is examining whether elements of the agreement may require reconsideration, including the possible use of the deal’s “exit clause,” as the tariff framework underpinning the arrangement now appears less certain.
The uncertainty stems from a recent US Supreme Court ruling that struck down sweeping tariffs imposed under former president Donald Trump’s use of emergency powers. The court held that invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose broad-based tariffs exceeded executive authority and required explicit congressional approval.
However, the White House quickly signalled a policy shift, announcing plans to introduce a temporary 10% blanket tariff on imports under a different legal framework for up to 150 days. While presented as an interim measure, the move suggests continued volatility in US trade policy.
For export-dependent Bangladesh, predictability is crucial. Although analysts note that a 10% tariff could be less burdensome than previous measures, frequent shifts in US trade rules complicate planning for exporters—particularly in key sectors such as garments.
Beyond tariffs, the broader implications of the bilateral trade arrangement remain under scrutiny. While improved market access to the United States offers opportunities, expanded access for US goods into Bangladesh could intensify competition in sensitive domestic industries. Policymakers now face the task of balancing export gains with safeguards for local producers.
As Washington recalibrates its trade tools, Dhaka must weigh strategic caution against commercial opportunity—at a time when stability in global trade remains elusive.
