Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh will address the issue of importing US-manufactured goods via third countries during upcoming bilateral negotiations on reciprocal tariffs with the United States, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman stated on Thursday.
Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar on US reciprocal tariffs – organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) in association with Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD) – Rahman noted that a significant volume of American products currently enters Bangladesh through intermediary nations such as Singapore, the UAE, and India.
“These indirect procurement channels increase the landed cost of US goods, making them less competitive in our market,” Rahman said. “We will raise this issue during our meeting with our US counterparts.”
The Commerce Secretary added that if Washington does not adequately address Bangladesh’s concerns on the matter, Dhaka may consider taking appropriate measures in accordance with World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations.
Bilateral trade between Bangladesh and the United States reached approximately $10.6 billion in 2024. Exports to the US increased by 1.1 per cent year-on-year to $8.4 billion, maintaining the US position as Bangladesh’s largest export destination, largely driven by the readymade garment (RMG) sector, according to the latest report by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s imports from the US totalled $2.2 billion in 2024, reflecting a 1.5 per cent decrease from the previous year.
During the 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs, the interim administration – led by Nobel Laureate and economist Professor Muhammad Yunus – is seeking to strengthen trade relations with the US, with a particular focus on increasing imports of American agricultural products such as cotton. This is part of a broader strategy to reduce the existing trade imbalance.
Government officials are exploring cost-effective sourcing options to boost cotton imports from the US, recognising that despite higher shipping and logistical costs compared to regional suppliers such as China and India, diversifying sourcing may enhance resilience and long-term competitiveness.
Experts at the seminar emphasised that a more direct and streamlined import process, combined with improved trade facilitation and mutual recognition of standards, could lead to a more balanced and sustainable trade partnership between Bangladesh and the United States.
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