Highlights:
- A US trade delegation will arrive in Dhaka on Sunday, September 14, for a two-day visit.
- Talks will focus on reducing the current 20% tariff imposed on Bangladeshi exports.
- Bangladesh hopes to bring down the tariff to 15% through fresh negotiations.
- Meetings will include Bangladesh’s commerce ministry, advisers, and the interim government leadership.
US Delegation Visiting Dhaka
A trade delegation from the United States is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Sunday, September 14, for a two-day visit. The main purpose of the trip is to hold discussions on reducing the 20% tariff currently imposed on Bangladeshi goods entering the US market.
The information was confirmed on Thursday (September 11) by Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, who said that the negotiations will aim to secure further tariff cuts.
Ongoing Negotiations on Tariff Reduction
Commerce Secretary Rahman explained,
“The USTR delegation will come to Dhaka for a two-day visit starting on September 14. We will negotiate with them to further reduce the tariff imposed on Bangladesh.”
Earlier, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin and National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman told the media that both countries are already negotiating to lower the tariff form 20% to 15%.
Read More: Pakistan Targets $3 Billion Exports to Bangladesh as Trade Relations Improve
Draft Trade Agreement Under Review
Officials from the commerce ministry said a draft trade agreement has already been prepared based on earlier talks with the US Trade Representative’s (USTR) office. If both sides agree in the upcoming negotiations, necessary changes will be made to finalize the deal.
According to ministry sources, the US reduced the tariff on Bangladeshi goods to 20% tariff on August 7. However, no formal agreement has yet been signed. Dhaka now hopes to finalize a deal that will bring the rate down to 15%.
Delegation Led by Brendan Lynch
The US delegation will be led by Brendan Lynch, Assistant USTR for South and Central Asia, who is responsible for overseeing US trade policies in the region.
During their stay, the delegation will not only meet with officials at the commerce ministry but also hold meetings with Chief Adviser of the interim government Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain, and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam.
Why This Matters
The US is Bangladesh’s largest export destination, especially for garments. A reduction in tariffs would make Bangladeshi goods more competitive in the American market, giving a major boost to the country’s export earnings at a time of growing global competition.
Source: TBS
