Bangladesh Prepares For Final Round Of US Tariff Talks Ahead Of August 1 Deadline
Bangladesh will enter the third and final round of negotiations with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) next week, aiming to secure a more favorable tariff structure before the new 35% tariff on Bangladeshi imports takes effect on August 1, Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin announced Tuesday.
Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka, Bashir emphasized the government’s push for “rational tariffs,” including zero-duty access to the US market. He described earlier rounds of talks as “constructive and encouraging” and confirmed that further stakeholder consultations would take place before the next negotiation round.
The development follows Washington’s recent decision to impose a 35% tariff on Bangladeshi goods, a slight reduction from the initially proposed 37%. While details of the talks remain confidential due to a Non-Disclosure Agreement signed in May, Bashir reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting export interests.
The adviser ruled out hiring lobbyists despite demands from private sector leaders and voiced optimism about a positive outcome, citing Bangladesh’s long-standing, competitive trade with the US.
Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman clarified that the draft tariff agreement does not include a 40% value addition requirement or a condition to reduce reliance on Chinese raw materials, countering recent media speculation.
Top economists and industry leaders participated in a pre-negotiation consultation, including representatives from BKMEA, BGMEA, BTMA, and major business chambers. BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem expressed satisfaction with the government’s handling of the issue.
The government remains focused on minimizing the potential impact of the reciprocal tariffs on Bangladesh’s exports through continued diplomacy and sector-wide coordination.
