US May Ease Tariffs Further as Trade Gap Narrows

Representational image. Photo: Collected

The United States has assured Bangladesh of further tariff reductions if Dhaka continues to narrow its trade deficit with Washington, Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin said.

Speaking after a meeting in Dhaka on Saturday with a visiting US delegation led by Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch, Bashir noted that Washington had expressed satisfaction with the recent decline in the deficit.

He added that Bangladesh and the US are set to sign a trade agreement this month.

While the talks did not address Bangladesh’s request to cut the reciprocal tariff to 15%, both sides discussed gradual reductions in line with the easing imbalance.

Bangladesh currently faces a 20% duty on its exports, down from 37% earlier. The tariff was last reduced in August following the third round of talks in Washington.

Officials said the ongoing US visit aims to finalise a bilateral trade deal. A draft agreement has already been prepared, with further adjustments expected before signing.

Adviser Bashir and National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman earlier confirmed that Dhaka continues to press for at least a 15% tariff level.