Google Alert – বাংলাদেশ
Bangladesh sees a strong possibility of a duty reduction by the US government following the first day of the third and final round of tariff negotiations with the Trump administration.
“We sat with officials of the USTR and completed the first day of the third round of negotiations,” Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman told The Daily Star today over the phone from Washington DC after the meeting.
However, he did not specify the potential tariff rate for Bangladesh, as discussions are set to continue for two more days.
It is expected that the Trump administration will announce the tariff rate for Bangladesh at the end of the three-day trade talks between Bangladesh and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the chief trade negotiating body of the US government.
On the first day, both countries discussed tariff and non-tariff barriers, the commerce secretary added.
The negotiations aim to explore possible avenues for duty reduction, as President Trump’s reciprocal tariff rate is set to take effect from August 1 for the countries concerned.
Some private sector entrepreneurs from Bangladesh are also scheduled to join the discussions in Washington on the third day, as part of the Bangladesh delegation.
However, they will not be present inside the negotiation room, as the talks are being held between the two governments.
On the first day, Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin led the Bangladesh side. Other members included National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, and Additional Commerce Secretary Nazneen Kawsar Chowdhury.
On the US side, Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch is leading the delegation, accompanied by officials handling trade and tariff matters.
Bangladesh has already offered duty-free import facilities for a number of American products.
Additionally, the country has agreed to purchase 25 Boeing aircraft and import 3.5 million tonnes of wheat from the USA over the next five years.