TBT DESK: Bangladesh is positioning itself to expand its footprint in the United States market after Washington imposed a 50 % tariff on Indian goods, compared to a 20 % rate on Bangladeshi exports. The move has created a competitive advantage for a wide range of Bangladeshi products, from garments to leather goods, processed foods, plastics, home textiles, furniture, and jute-based crafts.
Exporters say the higher US tariff on India will make many Indian products significantly more expensive, while Bangladeshi goods can be offered at lower prices. As a result, Bangladeshi suppliers expect increased purchase orders across multiple sectors. Several US importers have already shifted sourcing from India to Bangladesh, boosting demand for similar products.
Food manufacturers, plastic producers, leather exporters, and home textile companies are accelerating efforts to capture this new market opportunity. Some firms have set targets to double their US exports within a year through product diversification, quality improvements, and aggressive buyer engagement. Industry groups believe the shift will also attract new investment into Bangladesh's manufacturing base, particularly in plastics and furniture, as suppliers seek to replace Indian capacity.
The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) is preparing policy support to help exporters maximise the advantage, including plans for two business promotion centres in New York and California to showcase Bangladeshi products. Discussions are under way with the National Board of Revenue to ease raw material imports through bond facilities, while the Commerce Ministry is working on import policy changes to support export-oriented sectors.
The government also aims to increase Bangladesh's participation in sector-specific trade fairs in the United States and to establish an SME cell within the EPB to support the development of diversified export products. Business leaders say the current trade climate offers a rare opportunity for Bangladesh to strengthen its position in the US market across multiple industries.