Bangladesh’s textile industry has urged the United States to provide tariff concessions for apparel made from U.S. cotton, arguing that such a move would strengthen bilateral trade ties, boost American cotton exports and enhance Bangladesh’s competitiveness in the world’s largest consumer market.
The demand was raised during a meeting between leaders of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) and representatives of the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday.
The discussions focused on labour rights, sustainable supply chains and expanding trade and investment cooperation between the two countries, according to a BTMA statement.
The BTMA delegation was led by former vice-president Hossain Mehmood. During the meeting, former BTMA director Razeeb Haider highlighted the role of Bangladesh’s primary textile sector as the key backward-linkage industry supporting the country’s ready-made garment exports.
BTMA leaders stressed that Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry remains committed to internationally recognised labour standards, workplace safety and workers’ welfare, while seeking greater market access for its exports.
Industry representatives called for preferential tariff treatment for garments manufactured using U.S.-origin cotton, saying the measure would create a win-win opportunity for both countries by increasing demand for American cotton and encouraging value-added apparel exports from Bangladesh.
The request comes as Bangladesh seeks to diversify export markets and improve competitiveness ahead of its graduation from the United Nations’ Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2029, when it is expected to lose several trade preferences currently available in key markets.
BTMA also highlighted the importance of greater private-sector engagement in strengthening trade and investment relations between Bangladesh and the United States, one of the country’s largest export destinations.
The U.S. delegation underscored the importance of protecting labour rights across global supply chains, ensuring compliance with internationally recognised labour standards and improving transparency and accountability throughout the production process.
The two sides also exchanged views on ongoing labour law and labour policy reforms in Bangladesh, as well as broader efforts to promote sustainable industrial development and skilled workforce development.
BTMA said the textile and apparel sector remains committed to implementing International Labour Organization (ILO) principles and national labour laws, while maintaining the industry’s global competitiveness.
Both parties expressed interest in deepening economic cooperation, promoting sustainable supply chains and improving workers’ welfare as trade relations between Bangladesh and the United States continue to expand.
The U.S. delegation included Andrew Korfhage and Leena Khan, Labour Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka. BTMA directors Chowdhury Md Hanif Shoeb and Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed also attended the meeting.