ADB warns Bangladesh exports face fresh US tariff pressure in Section 301 review

The Asian Development Bank flags renewed trade risks for Dhaka as Washington prepares a new round of Section 301 tariffs, compounding concerns over the country's already downgraded growth outlook.

By Handelsavisen Newsroom · Automated 2026-07-09 14:19 UTC · 1 min read

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has warned that Bangladesh’s export sector could face renewed pressure from the United States, citing an upcoming review under Section 301 of the Trade Act.

The multilateral lender’s latest Asian Development Outlook highlights the potential for additional tariff burdens as Washington prepares a fresh round of trade measures, adding a layer of uncertainty to the country’s external trade prospects.

The warning arrives as the ADB has already lowered its economic growth forecast for Bangladesh to 4.5% for the current fiscal year.

The bank cited persistent structural challenges and elevated inflation risks as key headwinds, suggesting that the economy is already navigating a difficult macroeconomic environment.

The prospect of new US tariffs threatens to exacerbate these vulnerabilities, particularly for the garment and manufacturing sectors that rely heavily on access to the American market.

The Section 301 review process allows the US Trade Representative (USTR) to investigate and potentially impose tariffs on foreign trade practices deemed unfair.