Tariff Talks: Dhaka still remains optimistic about positive outcome

Dhaka remains optimistic that a positive outcome can be achieved within the stipulated time as Bangladesh and the United States have agreed on some more issues on the third and final day of the second round of trade talks between the two countries.

Some issues, however, still remain unresolved, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder on Saturday.

Starting on 1 August 2025, US President Donald Trump said they will charge Bangladesh a tariff of only 35% on any and all Bangladeshi products sent into the United States, separate from all sectoral tariffs.

Both sides have decided that inter-ministerial discussions will continue among themselves and the representatives of the two countries will sit in on the talks again.

The talks can be held virtually and face-to-face, Azad said, adding that the time and date is expected to be decided very soon.

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin, Commerce Secretary and Additional Secretary are returning to the country from the US. If required, they will go again, Azad said.

As the three-day talks ended, the Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin and National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman are optimistic that a positive position can be reached within the stipulated time.

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin led the Bangladesh delegation in Washington DC.

National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, the Chief Adviser's Special Assistant on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb joined the talks virtually from Dhaka.

Senior Commerce Ministry officials also attended the meeting in the US capital.

Senior US officials from agriculture, energy, commerce and copyrights agencies joined the meeting.

The three-day discussion was coordinated by the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, DC.

Earlier, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) invited Bangladesh to the second round of negotiations on the agreement on reciprocal tariff during July 9-11.

Bangladesh is among the first countries to restart negotiations following the issuance of President Donald Trump's letter to leaders of 14 countries on 7 July.

President Trump in his letter to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said, "We look forward to working with you as your trading partner for many years to come. If you wish to open your heretofore closed trading markets to the United States, and eliminate your tariff, and non-tariff, policies and trade barriers, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter."

Trump said these tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on their relationship with Bangladesh. "You will never be disappointed with the United States of America," President Trump wrote to Prof Yunus.

"Please understand that the 35% number is far less than what is needed to eliminate the trade deficit disparity we have with your country. As you are aware, there will be no tariff if Bangladesh, or companies within your country, decide to build or manufacture products within the United States and, in fact, we will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely - In other words, in a matter of weeks," Trump said.