Dhaka, Feb. 19 -- The recently negotiated reciprocal trade agreement between Washington and Dhaka is more than just a tariff adjustment. It is a strategic shift in Bangladesh's economic path. Bangladesh, a country where the ready-made garments (RMG) industry plays a major role in export earnings, employment, and foreign exchange, has gained a strategic economic advantage amid growing international competition.

Under the new framework, the United States (US) has agreed to reduce the reciprocal tariff on exports from Bangladesh to 19 per cent. This is from the original 37 per cent level that came into force in April 2025 under Executive Order 14,257 and is further lowered from the 20 per cent level that came into force in August 2025. More...