To ease looming 35% US tariffs on its exports, Bangladesh has ordered 25 Boeing aircraft and is sending a high-level delegation to meet with the USTR in Washington on 29–30 July.
The announcement comes just days before the US is set to impose a steep 35% reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi exports, a decision that could shake the foundations of bilateral trade.
Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman shared the news on Saturday (27 July), revealing that a high-level Bangladeshi delegation, led by Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, is flying to Washington, DC, on Sunday evening (28 July).
The delegation will hold back-to-back meetings with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on 29 and 30 July. “There’s a possibility of one more meeting on 31 July,” the secretary added. “We’re hopeful the outcome of these meetings will be clear by 1 August.”
This isn’t just about buying airplanes this is economic diplomacy in motion. With the US gearing up to slap a 35% tariff on Bangladeshi exports starting 1 August part of a broader move by the Trump administration to enforce trade reciprocity Dhaka is clearly taking action to preserve access to its largest export market outside the EU.
The purchase of Boeing aircraft is widely seen as a confidence-building measure aimed at softening Washington’s stance. Bangladesh’s move mirrors similar decisions by other Asian economies. According to Rahman, India and Vietnam have each ordered 100 Boeing planes, and Indonesia has committed to 50 all seemingly tied to trade negotiations with the US.
The looming tariff poses a major risk for Bangladesh’s economy, especially its readymade garments sector, which makes up more than 80% of its exports and relies heavily on US and European markets. If the 35% tariff takes effect, it could significantly erode Bangladesh’s price competitiveness, resulting in lost orders and factory layoffs.
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By agreeing to purchase American aircraft, the government is hoping to open up room for negotiation demonstrating goodwill and economic engagement at a time when Washington is re-calibrating trade ties with developing nations.
For Boeing, the deal is a welcome sign after turbulent years marked by safety crises, production delays, and stiff competition from Airbus. These new orders from Bangladesh and others could help the manufacturer regain momentum, especially as developing economies modernize their air fleets.
For Bangladesh, the aircraft could potentially serve Biman Bangladesh Airlines and the country’s rapidly growing aviation sector, which has seen a steady increase in passenger traffic. While details on model types and delivery timelines are still under wraps, the purchase represents a long-term commitment and a deeper economic link between the two countries.
Bangladesh’s diplomatic strategy here is both bold and calculated. Rather than confront the US tariffs head-on with retaliatory measures or seek only multilateral arbitration, it is opting for a transactional approach leveraging big-ticket purchases to secure more favorable trade terms.
As the Bangladesh delegation prepares to enter high-stakes talks in Washington, the eyes of the country’s exporters, investors, and workers are watching closely. The next few days could determine whether Dhaka successfully navigates around a potentially devastating tariff or faces a serious jolt to its export-dependent economy.
The message from Dhaka is clear that Bangladesh is ready to negotiate, invest, and partner but it won’t accept being sidelined in global trade discussions.
