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Published : 11 Jul 2025, 02:10 PM
Bangladesh and the US have engaged in a second round of tariff negotiations,
focusing on the "trajectory of current and future trade relations" amid tensions
over Washington’s planned duty hike on Bangladeshi goods.
Both sides presented their views and reached a consensus on a number of issues
on the second day of the three-day talks, the Chief Advisor's Office (CAO) said in a
statement on Friday.
“However, some matters remain unresolved. The third round of talks will begin at
9am Washington time on Friday.”
Commerce Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin held a one-on-one meeting with US Trade
Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer in Washington, DC, on Thursday.
In addition to tariff-related matters, the meeting also addressed other trade and
strategic issues in what was described as a cordial atmosphere.
The trade advisor reportedly conveyed a comprehensive picture of Bangladesh’s
economic position.
He reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to not only increasing exports but also
boosting imports from the US, a process that is already underway.
Bangladesh expects fair treatment in tariff policies and a level playing field for its
exporters, the CAO added.
Greer, a senior official with ministerial rank under the Trump administration,
assured full cooperation following the discussions, according to the CAO.
Bashir Uddin is leading the Bangladeshi delegation in Washington, accompanied
by Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman and Additional Secretary Dr Nazneen
Kawshar Chowdhury. National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman joined the talks
virtually from Dhaka.
The negotiations follow President Donald Trump’s Apr 2 announcement imposing
steep tariffs on products from more than 100 countries, including a 37 percent
duty on Bangladeshi goods.
The move, intended to bolster domestic industries, has been described globally as
the beginning of a new trade war and is popularly referred to as the “Trump
tariffs”.
Although initially set for early implementation, Trump delayed the enforcement
until Jul 9, giving countries time to negotiate.
However, just two days before the deadline, he sent letters to heads of state or
government in 14 countries, including Bangladesh, emphasising that the new
tariffs would take effect on Aug 1.
In a letter sent to Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, Trump confirmed a 35 percent
tariff hike on all Bangladeshi products. Despite the firm stance, the letter also left
the door open for further negotiation.
Having failed to secure a breakthrough during the initial round of negotiations, the
Bangladeshi government has now renewed efforts for a favourable outcome.
The average US tariff on Bangladeshi goods has so far stood at about 15 percent.
With the new 35 percent increase, the total tariff burden will rise to 50 percent,
putting pressure on exports, particularly readymade garments, Bangladesh’s top
export item and for which the US is the single biggest market.
