Dr Yunus thanks Trump for 90-day tariff pause

Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the interim government, has expressed his gratitude to former US President Donald Trump for announcing a 90-day suspension of the 37% tariff imposed on Bangladeshi products. The message of thanks was shared on the government’s verified Facebook page on Wednesday (April 9) night.

In a post indicating Trump, Dr. Yunus wrote, "Thank you, Mr. President, for responding positively to our request for 90-day pause on tariffs. We will continue to work with your administration in support of your trade agenda."

Earlier on Wednesday night, Trump announced via his social media platform Truth Social that retaliatory tariffs imposed on several countries would be suspended for three months. During this period, a minimum 10% tariff would remain in effect. However, he also stated that tariffs on Chinese goods would be increased to 125%.

On Monday, Dr. Yunus had sent a letter to Trump, requesting the temporary suspension of the 37% retaliatory tariff on Bangladeshi goods. In the letter, he pledged to ease entry for US products into the Bangladeshi market and proposed a 50% reduction in tariffs on key American exports, including gas turbines, semiconductors, and medical equipment.

The letter also stated that Bangladesh is ready to take all necessary measures to fully support the US trade agenda. Bangladeshi officials are already working with their US counterparts to increase American exports to the country.

The move is being seen as a positive step toward strengthening trade relations between Bangladesh and the United States.