REFAYET ULLAH MIRDHA

The new tariff on US-bound exports from Bangladesh came into effect yesterday, with hopes of maintaining a healthy flow of garment shipments to the American market.

With this, the effective tariff rate (ETR) for Bangladeshi goods exported to the United States now stands at 36.5 percent, comprising the newly imposed 20 percent reciprocal rate and the existing 16.5 percent tariff.

However, for Bangladeshi exporters, using the advantages of the new rate can mean a stitch in time since some of its regional competitors face similar or higher tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

The finalisation of the rate has already begun yielding results, as major American retailers and brands have started confirming work orders for upcoming summer and autumn seasons, industry insiders said. Currently, local garment exporters are busy shipping consignments for the Christmas season in the US.

SEE PAGE 2 COL 5