Staff Reporter :
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has formally requested that Bangladesh submit a written proposal outlining its commitment to reduce import duties on American goods, as part of ongoing efforts to address the bilateral trade imbalance.
In a letter dated 7 May to Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin, USTR official Jamieson Greer welcomed Bangladesh’s willingness to engage in negotiations aligned with the United States’ reciprocal tariff policy, initially introduced under former President Donald Trump.
“My team is ready to engage with Bangladesh to address the persistent bilateral trade deficit by reducing Bangladesh’s agricultural and industrial tariffs and non-tariff barriers, as well as aligning with the United States on economic security matters,” Greer stated in the correspondence.
He acknowledged Bangladesh’s recent reform initiatives and encouraged the government to take further steps to eliminate trade practices that the U.S. considers unfair.
These include labour rights violations and regulatory measures that may impede digital trade.
“I welcome the positive steps your letter references with regard to Bangladesh’s reform initiatives related to key US interests,” Greer added. “We look forward to receiving a written offer from your government so that we can commence formal negotiations.”
The development marks a potential turning point in the trade relationship between the two nations, with the USTR expressing openness to a deeper economic partnership contingent on tangible commitments from Dhaka.
