Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has proposed tariff cuts on several products in the FY2025-26 budget, which may lead to price reductions. He presented the budget during a televised address on Monday, completing his speech in 23 minutes starting at 3pm.
Typically, budget-imposed tariffs take immediate effect. While tariff hikes quickly impact market prices, reductions take longer to reflect. Below are products likely to become cheaper:
Sugar: Import duty on refined sugar reduced by Tk 500 per ton to Tk 4,000, potentially lowering prices.
Sanitary Napkins: Local-level VAT exemption introduced, likely reducing costs.
Packaged Liquid Milk: VAT exemption at local production stage may decrease prices.
Pens: Ballpoint pens granted local-level VAT exemption, potentially making them cheaper.
Imported Fish & Meat: Reduced supplementary duties on salmon, tuna, and other imported varieties may lower prices.
Ice Cream: Supplementary duty halved from 10% to 5% after years of increases.
Computer Monitors: VAT exemption expanded to cover 30-inch displays (from 22-inch) and interactive monitors, possibly reducing prices for larger screens.
Butter: Proposed 3% regulatory duty withdrawal on imports may cut costs.
Imported Plasticware: 5% supplementary duty reduction on foreign-made plastic household items.
Imported Apparel: Lower supplementary duties on foreign-made clothing for men, women, and children.
Footwear: Reduced supplementary duties on imported shoes and sandals.