US Cuts Bangladesh Tariffs to 19%, Offers Duty-Free Access to Select Garments
Editor: Sudhir Choudhary
Date: February 11, 2026
Washington / Dhaka | The Vagabond News
The United States has reduced import tariffs on certain Bangladeshi goods to 19 percent and announced duty-free access for select garment categories from Bangladesh, according to official trade communications released on Tuesday. The move marks a limited but notable adjustment in bilateral trade terms, particularly impacting Bangladesh’s export-driven apparel sector.
U.S. trade officials said the tariff reduction and partial duty-free access are part of a calibrated trade facilitation measure. The announcement did not indicate a full restoration of comprehensive trade preferences, nor did it specify that all Bangladeshi garment exports would benefit from zero-duty treatment.
Details of the Tariff Adjustment
Under the revised framework, the average tariff rate applied to affected Bangladeshi exports has been set at 19 percent, while specific garment lines will qualify for duty-free entry into the U.S. market. Officials said eligibility would depend on product classification and compliance with applicable trade and sourcing requirements.
The U.S. has not released a comprehensive list of all qualifying items, stating that detailed guidance would be issued to importers and exporters through customs and trade channels. There was no announcement of changes to rules of origin or labor compliance benchmarks in the initial communication.
Significance for Bangladesh’s Garment Sector
Bangladesh is one of the world’s largest garment exporters, with the apparel industry accounting for the majority of its export earnings and employing millions of workers. Access to the U.S. market is critical, though Bangladeshi exports have historically faced higher tariffs compared to competitors with preferential trade arrangements.
Trade analysts said even limited duty-free access could improve price competitiveness for certain manufacturers, though the continued application of a 19 percent tariff on other products means overall market conditions remain challenging.
Official Reactions
Bangladeshi trade officials welcomed the move, describing it as a positive step, while noting that further engagement is needed to expand coverage and reduce tariff barriers more broadly. They said discussions with U.S. counterparts on market access and trade facilitation are ongoing.
The U.S. administration emphasized that the adjustment does not constitute a full preferential trade program and should be viewed as a targeted measure. No timeline was provided for a potential review or expansion of the policy.
What Is Confirmed — and What Is Not
It is confirmed that the United States has reduced tariffs on certain Bangladeshi exports to 19 percent and granted duty-free access to selected garment categories. It is also confirmed that the changes are limited in scope and do not apply to all apparel exports.
What has not been confirmed is the full list of eligible products, the duration of the tariff arrangement, or whether broader duty-free access will be extended in the future. No formal trade agreement or comprehensive preference scheme has been announced.
Sources:
– Official U.S. trade communications
– Statements from Bangladeshi trade officials
Tags: US–Bangladesh trade, tariffs, garment exports, apparel industry, international trade
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