Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said the United States has not newly imposed tariffs on Bangladesh and other trading partners, describing the reported 10 percent measure as a replacement for an existing tariff. Speaking to reporters in Sylhet on Friday, he said there had been no actual change in the tariff situation.

Muktadir said the previously imposed tariff would expire within 150 days because of a legal requirement. Once that earlier measure expires, the new tariff will take effect, he said, adding that it should be called a replacement rather than a new tariff imposition. He also said the existing tariff would remain in force after midnight on Friday, although it would operate under a different name.

He made the remarks after opening a daylong free medical camp, family planning, maternal and child services, and an eye camp for tea workers at Sylhet Government High School. Separately, CNN reported that the United States planned tariffs of 10 to 12.5 percent on Bangladesh and some other trading partners. The Office of the US Trade Representative said 60 affected trading partner countries account for 99.4 percent of total US imports.