Bangladeshi exporters, especially those in the ready-made garments sector, are expressing growing concern over the recent imposition of tariffs by the United States. In response, the head of the caretaker government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is expected to send a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, urging easier access for Bangladeshi products to the U.S. market and the removal of trade barriers.

At a press briefing held Sunday at the Foreign Service Academy, the Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, confirmed that two official letters would be sent within 48 hours—one by Dr. Yunus to the U.S. President and another by the trade advisor to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). The aim, according to Alam, is to protect Bangladesh’s trade interests and explore opportunities for expanding bilateral commerce.

Also speaking at the briefing, the Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun, expressed a more optimistic outlook on the situation. He noted that the U.S. tariff policy could open doors for creating a more investment-friendly environment in Bangladesh. He emphasized that this year is seen as one of reform, with the upcoming investment summit aiming to reshape global perceptions of Bangladesh and showcase the country's long-term potential.

Meanwhile, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) is preparing a draft list of U.S. products that could receive tariff exemptions in Bangladesh. The goal is to identify goods that can be imported with reduced duties without significantly affecting national revenue. These products include items such as generators, valves, beef, agricultural goods, raw materials, and capital machinery—some of which currently face tariffs ranging from 26.2% to 80%.

According to preliminary findings from NBR and BIDA, the overall average effective tariff rate on imports from the U.S. remains under 5%. Key imports from the U.S. include cotton, scrap metal, Boeing aircraft parts, and various forms of capital equipment, many of which already enjoy duty-free entry. High-value vehicles are also imported occasionally, with just five such cars brought in during the last fiscal year.