Yunus Appeals to Trump for 3-Month Tariff Delay on Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has written to US President Donald Trump, requesting a three-month delay in the implementation of reciprocal tariff measures on Bangladesh. This, he explained, would give the interim government time to carry out its initiative aimed at significantly boosting US exports to Bangladesh.

“We are the first country to take such a proactive initiative,” Yunus noted in the letter, referencing a February visit to Washington DC by High Representative Dr Khalilur Rahman, which marked the beginning of close cooperation between the two nations to identify actionable steps.

Yunus highlighted that Bangladesh was the first country to sign a multi-year deal to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US. A major element of Bangladesh’s trade plan, he said, is a substantial increase in imports of US agricultural products—including cotton, wheat, corn, and soybean—which would directly benefit American farmers.

He further pointed out that Bangladesh already maintains the lowest tariffs on most US exports among South Asian countries and is actively considering further reductions. These potential cuts would include high-value US goods such as gas turbines, semiconductors, and medical equipment.

To improve trade efficiency, Yunus said Bangladesh plans to establish dedicated duty-free bonded warehouses for cotton and is taking steps to streamline customs procedures. This includes eliminating certain testing protocols and simplifying packaging, labeling, and certification requirements.

“Bangladesh will take all necessary actions to fully support your trade agenda,” Yunus assured Trump in his letter.

He also mentioned that a separate letter outlining Bangladesh’s specific trade facilitation measures would soon be sent by the commerce adviser to the US Trade Representative.