Bangladesh orders 25 Boeing aircraft in bid to ease US tariff pressure

Bangladesh has ordered 25 aircraft from the US-based Boeing Company amid ongoing trade talks with Washington to reduce the steep tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

The government is also planning to increase imports of wheat, soyabean oil, and cotton from the US, according to Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman.

The main objective behind these moves is to reduce Bangladesh’s trade deficit with the US in hopes of securing relief from the 35 percent tariff burden threatened by US President Donald Trump.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday, the commerce secretary said: “We immediately need some aircraft, possibly within the next couple of years. Expanding Biman’s fleet has been part of the government’s long-term plan. This year, in the context of the tariff issue, we’ve placed fresh orders. Initially, it was 14 planes, now it’s 25.”

Responding to a question about the deal with Boeing, Mahbubur said: “Boeing is not a US government entity -- it’s a private company. We’ve placed an order for 25 Boeing aircraft. India has ordered 100, Vietnam 100, and Indonesia 50. Many countries have placed similar orders.”

“Delivery will take time, and Boeing will supply according to its capacity,” he added.

Asked when Bangladesh can expect the aircraft to be delivered, the commerce secretary said that, depending on standard business practice or company policy, earlier orders are usually completed first.

Speaking on plans to expand agricultural imports from the US, he said: “We’ve already signed an agreement for wheat imports. Our private sector importers are also considering sourcing more soyabean from the US. They will sit for talks soon.”

“When we sit with the United States Trade Representative, we’ll also involve our private sector business leaders in meetings with relevant US trade associations. We hope that this leads to a mutual understanding.”

Highlighting the decision to boost cotton imports from the US, Mahbubur said: “We already import cotton from there. Around three years ago, we used to import about $1.8 billion worth of cotton annually. That amount has declined. If we can return to the previous level, we can boost imports in this sector alone by over $1 billion.”