Bangladesh Emphasizes Increased Cotton Imports from the United States Instead of India

11-Feb-2026 04:21 PM

Dhaka. Bangladesh plans to increase cotton imports from the United States instead of India. A trade agreement has been reached between Bangladesh and the United States. It was signed by both sides on February 9, 2026. Bangladesh's Information Advisor says that this trade deal could prove to be a game changer as it could provide Bangladeshi exporters with greater access to the US market.

Bangladesh will now increase cotton imports from the United States, significantly reducing its dependence on Indian cotton imports. Furthermore, it could also challenge Indian textile exporters in the US market. Bangladesh's cotton market will become attractive to the US.

However, Bangladesh will also be vigilant about ensuring that the cotton imported from the US is of high quality to ensure the quality of the manufactured products.

According to official sources, under the trade agreement, the US has agreed to impose a 19 percent customs duty on Bangladeshi products, which is lower than that of competing countries like Cambodia and Indonesia.

However, an important clause has been added to this trade deal that if Bangladesh exports cotton or man-made fiber products to the US, the tariff on them can be reduced to zero percent in the US.

This will provide a significant incentive to Bangladesh's textile industry to increase cotton imports from the US, and this could pose a two-pronged challenge to India.