What Trump wrote in his letter to Yunus imposing 35% tariff
"If for any reason you decide to raise your Tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 35% that we charge," the letter reads
US President Donald J Trump has threatened to impose a 35% tariff on all Bangladeshi imports to the United States, citing a "longstanding and very persistent" trade deficit between the two countries.
The warning came in a letter addressed to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, which Trump shared on his Truth Social platform yesterday (7 July).
In the letter, Trump wrote, "It is a Great Honour for me to send you this letter in that it demonstrates the strength and commitment of our Trading Relationship, and the fact that the United States of America has agreed to continue working with Bangladesh, despite having a significant Trade Deficit with your great Country."
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"Nevertheless, we have decided to move forward with you, but only with more balanced, and fair, TRADE. Therefore, we invite you to participate in the extraordinary Economy of the United States, the Number One Market in the World, by far," the letter read.
Trump further said, "We have had years to discuss our Trading Relationship with Bangladesh, and have concluded that we must move away from these longterm, and very persistent, Trade Deficits engendered by Bangladesh's Tariff, and Non Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers. Our relationship has been, unfortunately, not Reciprocal."
As per the letter, starting from 1 August 2025, the United States will impose a 35% tariff on all Bangladeshi products entering its market. This tariff will apply separately from existing sectoral tariffs.
Trump also noted that there would be no tariff if Bangladesh or companies based in the country decided to manufacture their products inside the United States.
"We will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely — in other words, in a matter of weeks," he added.
Trump warned that any retaliatory tariff measures from Bangladesh would only worsen the situation. "If for any reason you decide to raise your Tariffs, then, whatever the number you choose to raise them by, will be added onto the 35% that we charge."
He justified the proposed tariff hike by stating, "Please understand that these Tariffs are necessary to correct the many years of Bangladesh's Tariff, and Non Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers, causing these unsustainable Trade Deficits against the United States. This Deficit is a major threat to our Economy and, indeed, our National Security!"
