The country's apparel manufacturers expressed concern that if the 37 per cent tariff on readymade garment (RMG) exports to the US market is not fully withdrawn, Bangladesh鈥檚 leading export sector may face an average monthly duty burden of $250 million.
Due to the extra burden, about 1,000 factories could be adversely affected.
They urged the interim government to engage in discussions with the US administration and take the necessary steps to ensure the tariff鈥簊 permanent withdrawal.
They were speaking at the inauguration of the election office and a prayer session organized by the Sammilita Parishad, an election panel of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, in the capital on Saturday.
Md Abul Kalam, panel leader of Sammilita Parishad and managing director of Chaity Group, said that the 90-day suspension of the 37 per cent tariff on exports to the US market is a positive step.
鈥榃e extend our thanks to the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Dr Muhammad Yunus, for writing to President Donald Trump in this regard. However, the tariff has not been fully withdrawn,鈥� he added.
They are still unsure what will happen after 90 days, and they urged the government to continue diplomatic efforts and personal engagement.
聽鈥業f the tariff is not permanently removed, the RMG sector will be forced to pay an additional $250 million in duties every month,鈥� he added.
He also said they generally profit about 3 per cent to 4 per cent. If the tariff is not withdrawn, it will be tough for about 100 factories to survive.
While buyers are typically responsible for paying tariffs, current buying patterns show a tendency for buyers to pass on the extra costs to suppliers, he added.
Former BGMEA President and Chief Coordinator of the Sammilita Parishad for the BGMEA Election 2025鈥�2027, Faruque Hassan, said that the industry鈥簊 consistent success owes a great deal to the Sammilita Parishad鈥簊 efforts and leadership.
He urged the government to request a minimum three-year extension for Bangladesh鈥檚 graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
Regarding the US tariff, he said that if the tariff structure were reciprocal, their duties would have been significantly reduced.
鈥楾he reality is that the US has imposed these tariffs to reduce its trade deficit,鈥� he added.
However, he also said the government should not make unnecessary or premature commitments.
Sammilita Parishad President Quazi 聽 Moniruzzaman called on all stakeholders to unite to secure victory in the upcoming BGMEA election.
BNP Leader Zainul Abedin Farrouque, Bangladesh Garments Buying House Association President Mofazzal Hossain Pavel, BGMEA Advisory Committee Member Asif Ashraf, and Bangladesh Apparel Youth Leaders Association (BAYLA) President Abrar Hossain Sayem also spoke at the event.
