The United States’ decision to impose a 20 per cent tariff on Bangladeshi exports has been described as a diplomatic victory for the interim government’s negotiation strategy, according to John F Danilowicz, former US Deputy Ambassador to Bangladesh.
Danilowicz made the remarks on Friday on the social media platform X, shortly after the White House formally announced the revised tariff measures. He praised Bangladesh’s chief negotiator Dr Khalilur Rahman for leading a “strategically effective” four-month-long negotiation with the Office of the United States Trade Representative in Washington.
“Dr Khalilur Rahman has faced various challenges and attacks from multiple sides throughout these negotiations. However, the positive outcome now demonstrates the effectiveness of his strategy,” Danilowicz wrote.
He noted that while the original proposal had included a steep 35 per cent retaliatory tariff, Bangladesh successfully reduced the figure to 20 per cent—a move that many consider a safeguard for the country’s vital export industries, particularly readymade garments.
Danilowicz also called on critics of the negotiation process to reconsider their stance in light of the outcome. “This result is a testament to persistence and skilled diplomacy,” he added.
The tariff announcement by US President Donald Trump forms part of a broader realignment of US trade policies, targeting several countries under the new reciprocal tariff regime. For Bangladesh, which ships more than $10 billion in goods annually to the US—mostly garments—the lower-than-expected tariff is seen as crucial for maintaining market access.
Bangladesh has also pledged to increase imports of US agricultural products as part of the broader agreement, aiming to bolster food security and bilateral ties with American farming states.
The government has described the outcome as a turning point in trade diplomacy and a strategic success for the interim leadership, which has been navigating turbulent political and economic waters since taking office.