Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed expressed optimism that Bangladesh may secure lower US tariffs on its exports, despite the looming enforcement of a 35% reciprocal tariff from 1st August. He stated that ongoing negotiations with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) could yield favorable outcomes and noted that Bangladesh is importing US wheat and other essential items to strengthen its trade ties and reduce its trade deficit, currently around $6.5–6.7 billion.
He dismissed the idea of hiring lobbyists or involving business people in direct talks, stating that such efforts would be ineffective at this critical stage. Instead, he emphasized government-to-government engagement.
The wheat import, despite being costlier, is seen as part of a strategic move to gain goodwill and diversify import sources due to uncertainties in traditional suppliers like Russia and Ukraine.
Meanwhile, a letter from US President Donald Trump to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus cited a longstanding trade imbalance and called for a more balanced, reciprocal relationship, justifying the 35% tariff, slightly reduced from an earlier proposed 37%, but still significantly higher than tariffs on competitors like Vietnam (20%).
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