Staff Correspondent. Washington DC, July 31, 2025.
The third round of talks between Bangladesh and the United States to strengthen trade relations and discuss the proposed 35% tariff reduction began in Washington, DC on July 29. The Bangladesh delegation is led by Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, and National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman also participated. The United States is led by Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch. The Bangladesh delegation is also accompanied by several business representatives, although they are not participating in the discussions.
During the first day of talks, both sides discussed tariff reduction and various aspects of bilateral trade relations, which are moving towards positive results, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman said. “We have had good discussions so far and hope that the tariff rate will be significantly reduced from 35 percent,” he said. Bangladesh has already proposed to increase imports from the United States, including an agreement to import 700,000 tons of wheat, which was signed on July 20. In addition, Bangladesh is planning to buy 25 Boeing aircraft to expand the fleet of Biman Airlines, which will help reduce the trade deficit.
US President Donald Trump announced a 37% tariff on Bangladeshi exports in April, which was later suspended for 90 days. Later in July, he issued a letter imposing a 35% tariff, which is scheduled to take effect on August 1. Bangladesh is making every effort to reduce this tariff and conclude a reciprocal trade agreement.
Bangladesh’s major export products, especially the garment industry, retain a significant position in the US market. In 2024, Bangladesh exported $8.37 billion worth of goods to the US, of which $7.06 billion was apparel. Tariff reduction is crucial to maintaining the competitiveness of this industry.
The Bangladesh delegation has proposed duty-free imports, including cotton, wheat, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other agricultural products, in the talks. The US has also proposed stricter conditions on worker rights and safety in Bangladesh’s garment industry, which are under discussion.
“We are not ready to fully accept some of the non-trade conditions proposed by the US. However, we have proposed a time frame of 5 to 10 years for these,” a Commerce Ministry official said.
This third round of talks will continue until July 31. Both sides are optimistic that an agreement can be reached before the August 1 deadline. Bangladesh has said that if these talks are successful, trade relations between the two countries will be further strengthened and a stable market will be ensured for garment exporters.
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