BY Staff Correspondent, Dhaka
Bangladesh imposed an average tariff of 6% on goods imported from the United States last year, according to data from the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
For every Tk 100 worth of imports from the world’s largest economy, the government collected Tk 6.15 in duties and taxes. However, after excluding adjustable taxes—value-added tax (VAT), advance income tax (AIT), and advance tax (AT)—the effective average tariff drops to around 2.2%.
The discussion around tariff rates gained renewed attention after US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs based on the country of origin last week. In response, the Bangladeshi government stated that it would review tariffs on American imports, particularly those on high-duty items.
According to the revenue authorities, the South Asian nation imported goods worth $2.91 billion from the US in the last fiscal year ending on 30 June 2024. The customs-assessed value of these imports was Tk 35,189 crore, generating Tk 2,166 crore in tax revenue.
Imports fell into two main categories: raw materials for export-oriented industries and goods for domestic consumption. Of the total, $290 million worth of raw materials were imported duty-free under the bonded warehouse facility. Additionally, $790 million worth of domestic-use imports were also exempt from duties.
Bangladesh imported 2,515 different HS-code categorised items from the US last year. Tariff rates varied widely, from 0% to as high as 611%. Among the highest-taxed items was whiskey, which faced a 611% duty. Although only 228 bottles of Jack Daniel’s were imported, they generated Tk 31 lakh in taxes.
Luxury vehicles such as Mercedes-Benz were subject to a 443% tariff. Just four cars were imported last year, generating Tk 14.85 crore in revenue. E-cigarettes and vaping products were taxed at 289%, generating Tk 3 crore in duties from only $73,000 worth of imports. Mid-range taxed items included air-conditioned vehicles (1,600–2,000cc), which contributed Tk 5.15 crore in revenue.
Interestingly, the single largest source of customs revenue from US imports was scrap iron, used in rod manufacturing. Despite a modest 4% duty, it generated Tk 450 crore in revenue due to high import volumes.
Although the US is geographically distant—making imports more expensive compared to neighbouring countries like India and China—American goods remain popular for their quality and reliability. Any future tariff revisions are expected to focus primarily on high-end, luxury items.
