​​​​​​​Experts say Bangladesh must act fast during US tariff break

Experts have urged Bangladesh to take full advantage of the 90-day suspension of high tariffs imposed by the United States on its exports. They warned that if the government fails to act during this temporary break, it could lead to serious problems for the country's trade in the near future.

This concern was raised during a roundtable discussion held at the Gulshan Club in Dhaka on Saturday, April 12. The event was organized by the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) and attended by economists, business leaders, government officials, and politicians. The discussion focused on how Bangladesh should respond to the US tariffs and what steps can be taken moving forward.

BTMA President Showkat Aziz Russell moderated the event, while Mashrur Reaz, Chairman of Policy Exchange, presented the key paper. Reaz said that what happens after these 90 days is still uncertain, so the country must take this time seriously and start working on a solution now. He suggested that Bangladesh should consider what it can offer the US in return, and noted that increasing exports could help reduce the trade gap between the two countries.

He also pointed out that Bangladesh should present some strategic options to help the US shift parts of its supply chain, which could be in the country’s favor. However, he warned that depending only on diplomatic talks could be risky. Instead, Bangladesh should also engage directly with global brands and buyers to find practical, market-based solutions. At the same time, it’s important to look at how these tariffs affect different sectors of the economy.

The discussion came just days after US President Donald Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced the 90-day pause on tariffs during a press briefing at the White House Rose Garden on April 2. Lutnick displayed a chart to show the current state of US tariffs. The move gave temporary relief to Bangladeshi exports, especially in sectors like garments and textiles, which had been hit hard by the high duties.

Still, speakers at the event made it clear that this pause is not a permanent fix. It’s only a short window of opportunity, and if Bangladesh fails to act within this time, it may lose its chance to secure better trade terms. Some also referenced past examples, like energy supply issues with India’s Adani power plant, to show how heavily Bangladesh depends on external partners and why early action is so important.

In the end, the message was clear: the clock is ticking, and Bangladesh must move quickly and wisely to protect its trade interests before the 90 days are over.