Govt to decide on US tariff deal after reviewing USTR discussions: Finance adviser
Nothing can be said about the US tariff right now, he says
The government will make a decision on a potential tariff agreement with the United States after reviewing discussions held with the US Trade Representative's Office and consulting relevant stakeholders, Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said today (13 July).
"Nothing can be said about the US tariff right now. The Bangladesh delegation is just returning. Once they're back, the commerce adviser will brief us on which issues were agreed upon and which were not during the discussions with the US side. Then we will move forward from our side," he said while talking to reporters after holding a meeting with the World Bank's visiting new Vice President for the South Asia Region, Johannes Zutt at his office in the secretariat.
He further said, "There are also matters related to tax policy, which the NBR and Finance Division will examine, along with relevant ministries. We will take a decision only after reviewing everything collectively."
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On 2 April, the Trump administration announced the imposition of reciprocal tariffs on several countries, including a 37% duty on Bangladeshi products, which was set to take effect on 9 April. However, citing global economic instability, President Donald Trump temporarily suspended the tariffs for three months.
During this suspension period, many countries engaged in bilateral negotiations with the United States to reduce or remove the tariffs. Bangladesh also held several rounds of discussions. On 2 July, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin went to the United States to lead negotiations. He was later joined on 9 April by Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman and Additional Secretary Nazneen Kausar Chowdhury.
Despite ongoing talks, President Trump on 8 July announced a 35% reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi goods, effective from 1 August. A formal letter conveying this decision was sent to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.
In response, the Bangladeshi delegation, led by the commerce adviser, held three consecutive days of meetings with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Faiz Ahmed Tayyab joined the discussions virtually from Dhaka.
According to the Chief Adviser's press wing, both sides reached consensus on most issues, though a few matters remain unresolved and are expected to be addressed soon.
The delegation returned to Dhaka this evening.
