Bangladesh Commerce Minister Says New US Tariffs Will Have No Fresh Impact

Sylhet, July 24, 2026 — Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said today that the latest US tariff measures on Bangladesh and other countries would not create any new impact, as the tariff rate would remain unchanged despite being introduced under a different name. 📋

💬 Speaking to journalists after inaugurating a daylong free medical camp for tea workers in Sylhet Sadar upazila, the Commerce Minister explained:

"Because of the legal obligation under US law, the previous tariff imposed by the United States will expire within 150 days. After the expiry of the previous tariff, the new tariff will come into effect. Although it will have a different name, the tariff rate will remain the same as before."

📊 Tariff Continuity — Same Rate, Different Legal Basis

The Commerce Minister's statement clarifies the government's position on the US Section 301 tariff announcement: 📊

• 📅 Previous tariff: Expires within 150 days due to US legal obligation
• 📅 New tariff: Takes effect after previous one expires
• 📊 Rate unchanged: 10% tariff rate remains the same
• 📝 Different name: Introduced under a different legal provision
• ✅ No fresh impact: Same rate means no additional burden

⛽ Fuel Prices — No Plan to Increase

Asked about fuel prices, Muktadir said the government had no plan to increase fuel prices despite a recent slight rise after prices had remained comparatively low for several weeks. ⛽

📋 This assurance is significant because:

• 🏭 Industrial impact — Fuel price increases raise production costs across all sectors
• 💰 Inflation control — Stable fuel prices help control overall inflation
• 👕 Export competitiveness — Lower energy costs support export competitiveness
• 👥 Public welfare — Stable fuel prices reduce cost of living pressure on citizens

🏥 Tea Worker Welfare — Free Medical Camp

The Commerce Minister's visit to Sylhet included inaugurating a free medical camp for tea workers. He said the government was prioritising education, healthcare, and other services in tea garden areas. 🏥

📋 Medical camp details:

• 👥 ~100 tea workers received free treatment at the camp
• 📍 Location: Sylhet Sadar upazila
• 🎯 Purpose: Enable tea workers to receive healthcare without travelling to urban areas
• 🤝 Present: Sylhet-6 lawmaker Emran Ahmed Chowdhury, Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Quiyum Chowdhury

🔍 Context — Bangladesh Government's Measured Response

The Commerce Minister's statement reflects the government's measured approach to the US tariff announcement: 🏛️

• 📊 Downplaying impact — Emphasising that the tariff rate is unchanged
• 🤝 Diplomatic engagement — Continuing bilateral discussions with the US
• 🏭 Industry preparation — Helping exporters adapt to the tariff environment
• 🌐 Market diversification — Exploring alternative export markets beyond the US

For Bangladesh's export sector — particularly RMG which accounts for over 80% of exports to the US — the continuity of the 10% tariff rate (rather than the higher 12.5% faced by some competitors) provides a degree of stability, even as the broader trade relationship with the US continues to evolve. 🇧🇩