The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) has approached the National Cotton Council of America (NCCA) for assistance in securing duty-free access to the US market for ready-made garment (RMG) products made with US cotton. The association has also called for a permanent waiver of the additional 37% duty imposed on exports to the United States, aiming to promote US cotton exports to Bangladesh.
In a letter addressed to NCCA President and CEO Gary Adams, BTMA President Showkat Aziz Russell emphasized that the current 90-day tariff suspension period offers a “critical opportunity for strategic diplomacy and negotiation.” He urged for Bangladesh’s permanent removal from the list of countries subject to the extra duty.
Under the new provisions, a baseline reciprocal US duty of 10% has been established, meaning Bangladesh is currently facing a total duty of 26% on its exports to the United States.
According to local media reports, a BTMA delegation is set to visit the United States for high-level discussions with both government and private sector stakeholders as part of their efforts to enhance BTMA US market access.
The association represents 1,856 member mills engaged in yarn and fabric production, dyeing, printing, and finishing, with a total investment of $23 billion.
Additionally, BTMA is planning to establish a dedicated central warehouse in Bangladesh specifically for US cotton, highlighting its commitment to increasing the utilization of American cotton in its manufacturing processes and improving BTMA US market access.
