Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has set a strict deadline for shipments to qualify for exemption from new tariffs imposed on imports, including those from Bangladesh.
According to a notification from US CBP, goods already en route on their final transport before 12:01am Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on August 7, 2025, and entered or withdrawn from warehouse before 12:01am EDT on October 5, will avoid the higher duties.
This narrow exemption window triggered a surge in shipments as exporters rushed to beat the deadline.
The Financial Express has obtained a copy of the CBP notification.
This exemption triggered a scramble among Bangladeshi exporters to the US, buyers, and logistics firms, many of whom accelerated shipments from late July into early August to ensure eligibility.
Apparel exporters in Bangladesh, heavily reliant on the US market, were among those rushing to meet the cut-off.
"We tried to ship all ready goods before August 7 to avoid the newly imposed 20 per cent reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi apparel," said Shovon Islam, managing director of Sparrow Group, one of the country's leading garment exporters to the US.
He added, "Even if someone missed the loading deadline, their goods must reach and clear US customs before 12:01am EDT on October 5 to benefit from the exemption. However, any shipment not already on the water before August 7 will face the full impact of the revised tariff structure."
"There will be a huge rush in factories and at the port in the coming days to meet the US deadline," said Shovon, a former director of BGMEA.
The reciprocal tariff for Bangladeshi apparel exports to the US now stands at nearly 36 per cent, following a 20 per cent hike.
Businesses are rapidly adjusting their sourcing and supply chain strategies in response to the evolving trade dynamics.
The CBP emphasised that proper documentation -- including bills of lading -- must clearly indicate that goods were loaded at the port of origin before the August 7 deadline to qualify for exemption.
The current duty rate is 25 per cent, following the 10 per cent tariff imposed in April this year.
Exporters and shipping agents have noted a visible uptick in container activity at both Chattogram port and various US entry ports, driven by vessels that departed just ahead of the deadline.
newsmanjasi@gmail.com