No new tariffs imposed by US, only previous ones restored: Commerce Minister

The United States has not imposed any new tariffs on Bangladesh and some other countries, claimed Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir. According to him, the previously imposed tariffs are being restored under a new name as their tenure has expired.

The minister made the remarks while answering journalists’ questions after inaugurating a free medical camp, family planning, maternal and child health services, and eye camp for tea workers at Sylhet Government High School in Lakkatura Tea Garden on the outskirts of Sylhet city on Friday afternoon.

Regarding the US-announced 10 percent new tariff, the Commerce Minister said there has been no real change in the tariff situation. The previously imposed tariff is expiring after 150 days due to legal obligations. After its expiry, the same tariff will be effective under a new name. Therefore, it can be called the restoration of the previous tariff rather than a new one.

He further said, “Even after 12 midnight tonight, the previous tariff will effectively remain in force, only the name will change.”

The Commerce Minister also said there is no plan to increase the price of fuel oil in the country. He stated that even if oil prices rise in the international market, the government has no plan to increase fuel prices at this moment.

Earlier at the programme, as chief guest, Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said the government is giving special importance to education and health services in tea garden areas. If such medical camps continue, workers will get necessary health services in the garden area without going to the city.

Among those present at the event were Sylhet City Corporation Administrator and Sylhet district BNP President Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury, Sylhet Development Authority Chairman Rezaul Hasan Kaisar Lodi, district BNP General Secretary Imran Ahmed Chowdhury MP, Sylhet Medical University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Ziaur Rahman Chowdhury, and Sylhet city BNP General Secretary Emdad Hossain, along with leaders from various levels.

It is noted that from 12:01am Friday local time in the US, tariffs of 10 to 12.5 percent will come into effect on Bangladesh and nearly 60 other trading partners. According to the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR), nearly 99.4 percent of total US imports come from these countries.