Bangladesh and the United States are set to hold a critical virtual meeting on 29 July to discuss the Washington’s recently imposed 35% reciprocal tariffs on Bangladeshi exports.
This meeting comes just before the new tariff rates are scheduled to take effect on August 1, offering a crucial window for negotiation.
Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin initially informed reporters on Thursday that the meeting would take place on July 25. However, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman later clarified that the virtual meeting would be held on 29 July.
Bashir Uddin also mentioned that Bangladesh is still awaiting a response from the US regarding its request to reduce the new tariffs and is waiting for an invitation to continue further discussions.
While two rounds of talks have already been held, no substantial progress has been made on the tariff issue. On July 8, US President Donald Trump informed Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus that the new tariffs would be implemented on August 1, which would raise the average tariff on Bangladeshi exports to nearly 50%.
“This is as important for the US as it is for us. We are working with full momentum,” Sheikh Bashir Uddin emphasised. He also confirmed that the government had sent a letter to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick two days ago, outlining Bangladesh’s position. “Once we receive a response and invitation, our team will be ready to travel immediately,” he added.
Regarding the suggestion to appoint a lobbyist in the US, Bashir Uddin clarified that the government had not pursued this option, noting, “I’m not sure if lobbyists can intervene effectively under these circumstances.”
He further highlighted the complexity of the issue, stating that it involves intricate legal processes that require coordination among multiple ministries, which only the government is equipped to address.
In response to the impending 1 August deadline, the commerce adviser expressed optimism about the situation. “I’m just as eager as you to see the outcome,” he said. Bangladesh expects to receive the schedule for an in-person meeting soon.
Sk Bashir Uddin concluded by assuring that discussions with the US would continue even after the August 1 deadline, stating, “Of course, they will.”