Bangladesh aims to cut US tariff to 15%: Sk Bashir

NN Online:
Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin has said Bangladesh is working to reduce the United States’ proposed 20% countervailing tariff to 15%.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday after a meeting on the 2025-26 export targets, he said government agencies are jointly negotiating the reduction. “Talks with the US are ongoing, and we hope to reach 15% before the final agreement is signed,” he noted.

Bashir Uddin added that measures taken to address the US-Bangladesh trade deficit may support the bid for a lower tariff, though the final decision rests with US authorities.

While the 20% rate has been announced, no formal agreement has yet been signed. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is still drafting the deal, with hopes for completion by late August. No date has been set for the signing.

The proposed tariff stems from US concerns over trade imbalances and alleged subsidies in Bangladeshi exports. A final deal will heavily impact garments, textiles, and agricultural goods.