Bangladesh eyes a tariff deal with the United States which will be win-win for both the countries, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said on Tuesday following US President Donald Trump’s letter to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
“Dhaka is looking forward to a tariff deal with Washington DC, which, we hope, will be win-win for both countries,” he said adding that another round of talks with the US is scheduled for 9 July.
Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin is in Washington DC, leading the country’s trade talks with the United States.
National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman is also part of the team.
Alam said Bangladesh has received a letter from President Donald Trump on Monday declaring that the US would impose 35 percent tariffs on the Bangladeshi goods from 1 August.
“The Bangladesh team has held several rounds of discussion with their American counterparts,” said the Press Secretary noting that Sk Bashir Uddin will lead the Bangladesh side during the discussion on 9 July.
President Trump in his letter 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.
Starting on 1 August 2025, the US President 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.
“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 product 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.
