Staff Reporter :
US President Donald Trump has announced a 35 percent tariff on goods imported from Bangladesh, a slight reduction from the previously proposed 37 percent.
The decision was outlined in a letter addressed to Dr Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser to the interim government, and shared via Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social.
Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has expressed a strong optimism regarding the outcome of the one-on-one negotiations with the United States Trade Representative (USTR), scheduled for early Wednesday.
The Adviser said, US’s imposed 35percent tariff on Bangladeshi products is not finalised.
Speaking to reporters after chairing meetings of the Advisers Council Committee on Economic Affairs and Government Purchase at the Bangladesh Secretariat, Dr. Salehuddin said that the results of the tariff negotiations will be clearer following the USTR meeting.
He confirmed that US President Donald J. Trump had sent a letter to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser regarding the tariff issue. “Though the President’s letter is significant, the final decision will emerge through direct negotiations with the USTR,” he said. Similar letters have reportedly been sent to 14 countries, including Bangladesh.
The Finance Adviser emphasized that no tariff rate has been finalized yet. Addressing concerns over a proposed 35pc tariff on Bangladeshi goods, he said that Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin is leading the delegation currently in the US, with the Commerce Secretary set to join shortly. “We are hopeful of a favorable outcome, but whatever happens, we will set our future course accordingly,” he added.
Dr. Salehuddin also compared Bangladesh’s trade deficit with the US-approximately $5 billion-to that of Vietnam’s $125 billion. He pointed out that the US had reduced tariffs for Vietnam despite the larger deficit and said, “We’re doing our best in negotiations.”
On the domestic front, he said that revenue collection in FY25 was ‘moderate’ with no major shortfall. The government is now working with the business community to reduce leakage and improve efficiency. “We have high potential in revenue collection but often fail to realize it,” he remarked.
The Adviser also shared positive news on inflation, reporting a notable drop in food inflation last month, and projected further declines in the coming months. Non-food inflation, he added, is gradually easing across sectors.
The day’s meetings also discussed LNG imports, fertilizer procurement, and the construction of school shelters in Gaibandha.
Besides, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, in a Facebook post also expressed hope that positive outcome would be emarged through dialogue between Bangladesh and USA over the tariff issue.
He also confirmed that the Bangladeshi delegation in Washington DC has already held several rounds of talks with US trade officials. Another session is set for July 9. He expressed hope that ongoing discussions would result in a mutually beneficial deal.
National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman is also part of the delegation.
Golam Mortoza, Minister (Press) at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, reiterated on Facebook that the proposed 35pc tariff is not final, and that negotiations remain active.
President Trump’s letter to the Chief Adviser said, “The United States of America has agreed to continue working with Bangladesh, despite having a significant Trade Deficit with your great country.” However, he indicated that the US may reconsider the tariffs if Bangladesh opens its markets and removes existing tariff and non-tariff barriers.
