Dhaka, Sept. 29 -- Bangladeshi apparel exporters, who had anticipated a competitive boost from recent US tariff adjustments, are instead finding themselves under fresh strain as American buyers push them to absorb part of the added duty costs.

Since August, when Washington imposed a 20percent reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi garments, suppliers report that several US brands are demanding they carry between 5percent and 7percent of the extra cost, while others expect them to shoulder nearly the full burden.

Factories that comply are managing to secure contracts, but those that resist face stalled or cancelled orders.

Shovon Islam, managing director of Sparrow Group, which produces about 40 million pieces annually-half destined for the U...