EuroCham in Bangladesh raises concerns over trade concessions to US
The request came as Bangladesh offered to raise US product lines with zero import tariffs following the pause in the US’s reciprocal tariffs
The European Union Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham) has urged the interim government to avoid discrimination against European Union companies by offering substantial trade concessions to the United States.
The request came as Bangladesh offered to raise US product lines with zero import tariffs following the pause in the US's reciprocal tariffs.
"The EU is Bangladesh's largest and most reliable trading partner, accounting for half of all exports, with longstanding duty-free and quota-free preferential access granted to Bangladesh under the everything but arms (EBA) scheme since 2001," said a EuroCham press release today (23 April).
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Bangladesh enjoys a notably higher trade surplus with the EU compared to its other trade partners. Out of a total €22 billion trade in 2024, EU exports accounted for only €2 billion, resulting in a trade balance strongly in favour of Bangladesh.
"High tariffs and non-tariff barriers hinder EU companies' efforts to do business with and export to Bangladesh," added the release.
Through the release, EuroCham encouraged the government to reaffirm its commitment to a rules-based trading system and to pursue essential trade policy and customs reforms, while ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all trading partners.
