Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has reached out to US President Donald Trump, proposing a comprehensive trade package to mitigate the impact of the 37% reciprocal tariff imposed on Bangladeshi exports. In a letter to the US administration, Yunus outlined measures to strengthen bilateral trade, including duty-free access for US agricultural products such as cotton, wheat, and soybeans.
The textile sector, Bangladesh’s largest foreign exchange earner, has been severely affected by the tariff, which is seen as disproportionately impacting smaller economies. To address this, Yunus suggested initiatives like setting up bonded warehousing facilities for quicker access to US cotton and halving tariffs on major US exports, including medical equipment and semiconductors.
Additionally, Yunus emphasized Bangladesh’s commitment to removing non-tariff barriers, simplifying customs procedures, and rationalizing packaging and certification norms. He also highlighted plans to open advanced tech sectors, such as civil aviation and defense, to American companies, signaling deeper economic collaboration.
The proposal reflects Bangladesh’s proactive approach to aligning with the US trade agenda while safeguarding its own economic interests. As discussions progress, the move is expected to pave the way for enhanced trade relations between the two nations.
