The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has cautioned 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 assessment highlights the potential for increased trade costs and reduced competitiveness for Bangladeshi goods in the US market, a key destination for the country’s garment and manufacturing exports.
This warning arrives as the US Trade Representative (USTR) prepares a fresh round of tariffs, a move that could significantly impact Bangladesh’s trade balance.
The ADB’s analysis suggests that these measures would not only raise costs for importers but also dampen export volumes, exacerbating existing economic vulnerabilities in South Asia’s second-largest economy.
The tariff threat adds to a challenging macroeconomic backdrop for Bangladesh.
The ADB recently lowered its economic growth forecast for the country to 4.5% for the current fiscal year, citing persistent structural challenges and elevated inflation risks.