Bangladesh’s industrial sector faces a dual shock from a gas price hike and new US tariffs. The government raised the gas price for new industrial connections from Tk 30 to Tk 40 per cubic metre, discouraging fresh investment. Simultaneously, US President Donald Trump imposed a minimum 10% tariff on all imports starting April 5, with even higher rates for 57 countries, threatening Bangladesh’s key export sector. The US accounts for 18.97% of Bangladesh’s total garment exports. As a result of the tariff, exporters like Shasha Denims had to offer up to 5% discounts to retain buyers, squeezing profit margins. Experts warned that reduced export orders could lead to job losses in the garment sector, harming the broader economy. At a trade-focused event in Dhaka, experts emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated policy response to prevent long-term economic fallout and maintain export competitiveness amid external and internal cost pressures.
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