USA and Bangladesh will start second round of negotiations on a landmark Agreement on Reciprocal Tariff (ART) in Washington on Wednesday(9 July), which will continue till July 11. The United States Trade Representative (USTR) formally extended an invitation to Bangladesh to engage in the follow-up talks, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral trade relationship between the two countries.
This round of negotiations comes just two days after the release of a letter from US President Donald Trump to the leaders of 14 countries—including Bangladesh. Chief adviser office sources have confirmed that US President Donald Trump’s letter to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has arrived. Bangladesh is one of the first country to respond by reinitiating formal trade negotiations.
Bangladesh’s delegation, led by Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin, is present in Washington, with key government officials, including the Commerce Secretary and an Additional Commerce Secretary, having traveled to the US capital to participate directly. Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman is engaging in negotiations remotely from Dhaka.
The first round of ART discussions, held on June 27, 2025, yielded what both nations have described as encouraging progress, setting the groundwork for this week’s more comprehensive sessions. At that meeting, delegates explored a number of critical issues, including tariff reductions, market access, and non-tariff measures related to products of mutual interest, such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural goods, Ministry of Commerce officials said.
Furthermore, negotiators reviewed potential safeguards and rules of origin provisions designed to ensure that tariff preferences directly benefit both economies. Industry stakeholders noted the potential economic significance of the agreement: for Bangladesh, enhanced access to the large US market could bolster its export-led growth strategy.
This week’s agenda is reported to be particularly ambitious, encompassing weighty topics such as dispute-resolution mechanisms, intellectual property protections, labor and environmental standards, and regulatory harmonization. The goal remains to craft a reciprocal, trust-based agreement that advances shared economic and strategic interests.
Meanwhile, Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday expressed optimism about securing a better outcome in the one-to-one negotiation with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of new tariffs on imports from 14 countries including Bangladesh.
“The final tariff will be fixed in the one-to-one negotiation with the USTR. That’s why we will have our meeting with them (USTR), the rate is not final yet,” he told reporters emerging from Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) meeting held at the cabinet division of Bangladesh Secretariat.
The Finance Adviser dismissed concerns over weak negotiation skills on Bangladesh’s part, saying, “Vietnam received greater tariff relief because their trade deficit with the US is $125 billion while ours is only $5 billion. So, Vietnam got the better discount in the tariff rates.”
He said the Commerce Adviser is already in Washington and has been working on this issue since he went three days ago. He also said whatever be the result, the government will take its measures considering the final outcome of the meeting.
Economists and policymakers are keeping a watchful eye on the pace and substance of these negotiations. As negotiations continue through Friday, July 11, both sides have stated their intention to maintain momentum. Among the positive indicators cited by Bangladesh’s delegation are the clearly stated timelines, confidence-building transparency measures without compromising either nation’s economic sovereignty.
This second round of ART negotiations marks a pivotal moment in Bangladesh–US trade relations. With both governments expressing optimism and readiness to address complex trade architecture.
Stakeholders in both countries will be vigilant, hoping that this diplomatic initiative ushers in a new era of mutually beneficial trade and economic partnership between Bangladesh and the United States.
