US Delegation to Visit Dhaka to Discuss Tariff Issues

Flags of USA and Bangladesh

A US trade delegation will arrive in Dhaka on Sunday to discuss the additional 20 per cent reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi products in the US market.

The three-day visit will be led by Brendon Lynch, United States Assistant Trade Representative for South and Central Asia.

Diplomatic sources said the US tariff for Bangladesh was finalised after three phases of discussion, but a formal agreement has yet to be signed. The delegation’s visit aims to conclude talks on unresolved issues and finalise the draft agreement.

The draft schedule includes a courtesy call on Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, on Monday afternoon. The delegation will also meet officials from the Ministry of Commerce, led by Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin and Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman.

Additionally, US representatives are set to meet National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Bangladeshi business leaders, and other stakeholders.

Unresolved issues reportedly include rules of origin, GM food in agricultural products, and the full list of US products eligible for tariff exemptions. Discussions will also cover improving the investment climate for US investors in Bangladesh, sustainable industrial development, worker protection, and unrestricted access of Bangladeshi goods to the US market.

The retaliatory tariff on Bangladeshi exports was initially imposed at 37 per cent on 2 April, suspended for three months, then reduced to 35 per cent on 8 July. Currently, Bangladesh exports goods to the US with an average tariff of 15 per cent. With the new 20 per cent additional tariff, the total rate rises to 35 per cent.