Several Asian nations reeled on Thursday as they were hit with some of U.S. President Donald Trump's heftiest tariffs, which now threaten the economies that have benefited from investment after Trump imposed levies on China during his first term. Six of the nine Southeast Asian countries listed by Trump were slapped with much bigger-than-expected tariffs of between 32 per cent and 49 per cent on Wednesday. By comparison, the level for the European Union was 20 per cent, and Japan was at 24 per cent. So far, none of the Southeast Asian nations has spoken of retaliatory tariffs.Asian countries that produce for the apparel industry among those that could feel particular strain
Financial benefits of regenerative agriculture
Sustainable cotton consultancy Cotton Connect’s new impact report describes how its family of cotton programs achieved positive results in 2023-2024.
The London-based consultancy helps global brands source more fairly and sustainably by creating more robust, resilient and successful raw material supply chains. Part of this effort includes programs including REEL Cotton, REEL Regenerative, the Organic Cotton Farmer Training Program and the Regenerative Organic Program. The report showed how these programs, which trained 452,321 farmers during the period, resulted in a positive reduction in inputs affecting soil health...
Experts warn of fallout if tariff issues remain unaddressed
The recent decision by the Trump administration to impose new reciprocal tariffs has sparked significant concerns among experts and stakeholders in Bangladesh.
According to Zahid Hussain, former lead economist at the World Bank’s Dhaka Office, this move is expected to result in an economic downturn in the United States by increasing prices and reducing consumers’ purchasing power. He cautioned t...
Trump’s tariff formula misleading, flawed: Warn experts
The tariff calculations used by the Trump administration to justify retaliatory tariffs on multiple countries, including Bangladesh, have come under scrutiny for their questionable methodology and lack of transparency.
According to reports, the administration’s “Tariffs Charged to the U.S.A.” calculation includes not just direct import duties on American goods but also factors in currency manipulation and trade barriers. However, critics argue that no clear explanation has ...
Bangladesh now faces 37pc tarifrs on exports to USA
US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs to match duties put on US goods by other countries, ratcheting up a trade war he kicked off on his return to the White House.[caption id="attachment_33284" align="alignleft" width="576"]US President Donald Trump delivers remarks on tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 2, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Barria[/caption]
During an event in the White House Ros...
Bangladesh’s exports to Tripura soar with Yunus assumes office
Trade organisations in Tripura, India, have urged the central government to address the growing trade deficit with Bangladesh, which has widened since Muhammad Yunus assumed office in August last year.
Reports suggest that Bangladesh's exports to Tripura and other northeastern states have increased, with goods such as fish, cement, food items, construction materials, steel sheets, PVC pipes, soft drinks, ready-made garments, melamine,...
