The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced a stringent deadline for shipments to qualify for exemptions from recent tariff hikes on imports, including products from Bangladesh. According to a CBP notification, goods that are already en route and on their final transport before 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on 7th August 2025, and entered or withdrawn from warehouses before 12:01 a.m. EDT on 5th October, will be spared the increased duties.
This narrowly defined exemption window has prompted a surge in shipments as exporters and logistics firms rush to meet the deadline. Bangladeshi exporters, who heavily rely on the US market, are among those eager to clear their goods before the cutoff, with many accelerating shipments from late July into early August.
Apparel exporters, in particular, are feeling the pressure. Shovon Islam, managing director of Sparrow Group, a leading Bangladeshi garment exporter to the US, stated, “We tried to ship all ready goods before 7th August to avoid the newly imposed 20% reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi apparel.” He added that any shipments not loaded before the deadline must reach US customs before October 5 to benefit from the exemption, emphasizing that delays could lead to facing the full tariff rate.
The current tariff rate for Bangladeshi apparel exports has increased to nearly 36%, following a recent 20% hike from the previous 10% imposed in April this year.
CBP officials stressed that proper documentation, including bills of lading indicating goods were loaded at the port of origin before 7th August, is essential to qualify for tariff exemption.
Trade activity has visibly intensified at both Chittagong port in Bangladesh and various US entry points, with vessels departing just ahead of the deadline. Industry insiders anticipate a significant rush at factories and ports in the coming days to meet the US deadline and avoid higher duties.
As businesses adjust their sourcing and supply chain strategies in response to these trade dynamics, the coming weeks will be critical for Bangladeshi exporters aiming to mitigate the impact of the tariff adjustments.
