2nd round of US-Bangladesh tariff talks set to conclude today as business leaders await breakthrough

The second round of negotiations between Bangladesh and the United States over tariff hike is set to conclude today (11 July).

The Bangladesh delegation, led by Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, is expected to enter the third and final day of talks tonight with officials from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), aiming to finalise a draft trade agreement that could potentially lift the 35% reciprocal tariff imposed by the Trump administration.

According to sources, despite two days of discussions, no official announcement has been made by either side regarding a reduction of the tariff or the finalisation of any agreement.

Speaking to The Business Standard, Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan expressed optimism over progress in negotiations.

Meanwhile, the business community in Bangladesh is anxiously waiting for a resolution that would prevent long-term damage to Bangladesh's export competitiveness in the US market.

35% tariff: Bangladesh, US 'agree on most issues' as first day of talks ends

On Wednesday, prior to the opening session, Adviser Bashir Uddin stated that he would pursue what is best for the country.

After that day's meetings, Chief Adviser's Press Wing and Golam Mortoza, press minister at the Bangladesh Embassy in the US, noted that the two parties had reached consensus on most conditions — though specifics were not disclosed.

No need to worry as US tariff talks ongoing: Fouzul tells biz leaders

Even after yesterday's meeting with the US commerce secretary, no further details were released by the government.

However, yesterday, Bangladeshi business leaders met with Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan to express their concerns.

They emphasised that the tariff rate on Bangladeshi products should not exceed those imposed on rival exporting nations such as Vietnam, India, and Pakistan.