Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin on Tuesday said the government is working to reduce the United States’ reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi goods from 20 per cent to 15 per cent.
Speaking at a press briefing after a meeting on setting the export target for fiscal year 2025–26, he said all relevant agencies are making a coordinated push to secure the reduction.
“The discussion with the US is still ongoing and this could happen before the final agreement is signed,” he said.
The adviser added that measures taken by Bangladesh to reduce the trade deficit with the US could help achieve the cut. “But we cannot confirm it yet, as it largely depends on the decision of those who imposed it,” he said.
The press conference was told that no date has been set for concluding the deal.
Although the US has announced a 20 per cent reciprocal tariff rate for Bangladesh, no agreement has been signed.
The deal is expected to be finalised by the end of this month, with the draft being prepared by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).