The United States has imposed new additional tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners, including Bangladesh, accusing them of failing to take sufficient measures to prevent the import of goods produced through forced labor.
The new tariffs took effect on Friday, with Bangladeshi exports facing an additional 10% duty. The move is expected to put pressure on Bangladesh's export-oriented industries, particularly the ready-made garment (RMG) sector.
According to Reuters, the measure is part of President Donald Trump's broader effort to reshape the global trading system. The White House said the tariffs target countries that have not adopted enforcement measures against forced labor comparable to those of the United States.
Tariffs cover nearly all imports
A notice published in the Federal Register said the new tariffs will apply to approximately 99.4% of all imports into the United States. However, oil and gas, fertilizers, certain food products, and several national security-related goods will be exempt.
Bangladesh among countries facing 10% tariff
Under the final list, Bangladesh joins Argentina, the United Kingdom, Cambodia, Canada, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Trinidad and Tobago in facing an additional 10% tariff on exports to the US.
Meanwhile, for the European Union, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Switzerland, the total tariff rate has been set at 10% or 12.5%, depending on existing Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) duties.
An additional 38 countries, including China, will face a 12.5% tariff. The US has accused China of using forced labor involving the Uyghur minority, an allegation Beijing has consistently denied.
Legal basis: Section 301
The tariffs have been imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, allowing the US to maintain minimum import duties on most goods despite a recent US Supreme Court ruling.
Analysts say legal challenges to the new tariffs may face difficulties because Section 301 has previously withstood judicial scrutiny.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said: "For nearly a century, the United States has maintained a strong stance against imports made with forced labor. It is time for our trading partners to adopt similarly effective measures."
Trump administration's position
Trump administration officials said the tariffs are intended not only to reduce trade imbalances but also to address human rights violations and prevent unfair trade advantages.
They argued that the United States has the world's strictest import controls against products made with forced labor, while many other countries continue to benefit from weaker enforcement.
Products exempt from the tariffs
The new tariffs will not apply to oil and gas, fertilizers, certain food products, or goods already covered by separate national security tariffs, including automobiles, steel, aluminum, and copper.
Products that qualify under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) are also exempt, reflecting the integrated North American supply chain and the high level of US content in those goods.
What does this mean for Bangladesh?
The United States is one of Bangladesh's largest export markets, with ready-made garments accounting for the bulk of the country's exports.
The additional 10% tariff could weaken Bangladesh's export competitiveness, particularly in the apparel sector, by increasing costs for US buyers.
The decision also underscores the growing importance of complying with international standards on labor rights, supply chain transparency, and the prevention of forced labor.
