Bangladesh hopes for 'rational' US tariffs, confident of sustaining trade ties: Commerce adviser
The adviser added he is confident Bangladesh will continue to do business in the US market with its current capabilities
Highlights:
- Bangladesh awaits US schedule for third tariff talks
- Delegation to negotiate before 35% tariff starts 1 August
- Officials hopeful despite undisclosed negotiation details
Preparations are underway for the third phase of negotiations with the United States on reciprocal tariffs, with a formal request already made for a timeline, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has said.
"We hope the US will set tariffs at a rational level," he said during a press conference today (14 July) upon returning to Dhaka after concluding the latest round of Bangladesh-US tariff talks.
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The adviser added he is confident Bangladesh will continue to do business in the US market with its current capabilities.
The adviser mentioned that Bangladesh and the United States are bound by a non-disclosure agreement on this matter.
Therefore, it is not possible to disclose what the US demanded or the details of the discussions, he noted.
Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman said the issue of reciprocal tariffs has serious implications for Bangladesh, and the government is working on it at the highest level.
"Some steps have already been taken, and more actions will follow. We've now consulted stakeholders and gathered their opinions."
Mahbubur also said, "We are prepared. Whatever issues arise in the future, we will address them through dialogue with the United States."
Commerce Adviser Sheikh said he hopes the United States will confirm the schedule for the next round of discussions within the coming week.
Speaking on behalf of the business community, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem stated that the government is treating the tariff negotiations with the United States as a top priority.
He also expressed satisfaction with the government's briefings on the progress made so far.
A Bangladeshi delegation is set to visit the US next week to resume talks with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in an effort to reduce tariffs on Bangladeshi products, the adviser announced today.
At a press conference held upon his return from the second round of negotiations with the USTR, Bashir expressed optimism that the discussions could be concluded before the 1 August deadline.
Prior to the press briefing at the commerce ministry in Dhaka, the adviser held a meeting with economists, business leaders, exporters, and traders.
Bangladesh braces for US tariff amid stalled negotiations
Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, SANEM Executive Director Dr Selim Raihan, RAPID Chairman Dr Abdur Razzak, Policy Exchange Chairman Dr Mashrur Riaz, international trade analyst Mustafa Abid Khan, former Metropolitan Chamber President Nasim Manjur, Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce President Anwar Ul Alam Chowdhury, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, and BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem were present, among other, at the meeting.
The third and final day of the second round of tariff negotiations between Bangladesh and the United States concluded in Washington DC on 11 July 2025, with several issues still unresolved.
While the two countries reached consensus on a number of matters, others remained pending, leaving Bangladesh without a formal agreement.
As a result, the 35% tariff proposed in a letter from US President Donald Trump to the then Chief Adviser of Bangladesh will remain applicable, and is set to come into effect from 1 August.
Following the conclusion of the three-day meetings, both Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin and National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman expressed optimism, stating that "a positive outcome can be reached within the stipulated timeframe."
