Economics
Bangladesh’s victory and defeat in US tariff war
After three rounds of discussion, Bangladesh has managed to reduce the increased tariff imposed on its products in the US market from 35 percent to 20 percent. This is not only positive for the country's economy but also a diplomatic success for the interim government. Because when on April 2, US President Donald Trump first announced the rate of additional tariffs on various countries, he stated that a 37 percent additional tariff would be levied on Bangladeshi products. Later, that tariff was suspended temporarily for three months. Trump informed Dr Yunus in a letter that instead of 37, the tariff amount on Bangladesh would be 35 percent, after reducing it by 2 percent.
Reciprocal Tariff by USA - its Impact on Bangladesh Economy
The announcement of Reciprocal Tariff (RT) on April 2, 2025 on 108 countries ranging from 11-49% by the president Donald Trump has shaken the world irrespective of size of the economy and the amount of trade deficit USA is running with the concerned countries. The trade deficit of US was USD 918.4 billion in 2024, total US exports with the rest of the world is USD 3.12 trillion and total imports were USD 4.11 trillion as per the available information. US constantly enjoying surplus in services export, which was USD 1.15 trillion, and import was 0.841 trillion in 2024. USA did not mention services export issues anywhere whereas services export throughout the world is growing and will dominate the future trade.
Trend of reduced high inflation must be maintained
In recent years, the issue that has raised the most concern in Bangladesh’s economy is the trend of high inflation. There seemed to be no way to curb this trend of high inflation. Just as the post-COVID global economy was recovering, the Russia-Ukraine war broke out. This unexpected war caused major disruptions to the global economy. The global supply chain nearly collapsed. As a result, due to transportation crises, the prices of various products around the world rose abnormally. In the year the Russia-Ukraine war began, food and other product production worldwide were normal. Therefore, there was no opportunity to identify the trend of high inflation as a problem caused by a shortage in production.
One of main causes of crisis in banking sector is dual governance
The sector of Bangladesh’s economy that has been most severely affected in recent times is the banking sector. The banking sector is often compared to the flow of blood in the arteries of a country’s economy. Just as a disruption in the natural flow of blood in a human or animal can cause physical complications or even death, likewise, if the banking sector of a country is not properly and efficiently managed, problems will inevitably arise in various sectors of the economy. Due to financial limitations, entrepreneurs in developing countries like Bangladesh must turn to banks to meet their capital needs. But the banking sector is failing to provide the desired support to entrepreneurs and ordinary borrowers.
Savings certificates interest rates reduction: To add insult to injury
A kind of panic and adverse reaction have been created among the country’s ordinary savers after the government decided to reduce the profit rates on savings certificates on June 30.
Reasons behind rapid expansion of imitation jewellery market
Ornaments made of gold is the most used and most in-demand jewellery in the world. There is no country in the world where there is no demand for gold jewellery. Especially women have always been fond of gold jewellery. Gold jewellery not only enhances women's beauty but is also considered a valuable asset; but now the users of gold jewellery are going through a crisis. Due to the abnormal rise in the price of gold in the international market, the price of gold jewellery has recently increased significantly in the local market. At the same time, due to the instability of the gold market, many people are now unable to use gold jewellery despite their wishes. Although the price of gold jewellery has increased, the pursuit of beauty by enthusiasts has not stopped. Therefore, they have leaned towards imitation jewellery as an alternative to gold jewellery.
Favourable environment necessary to attract foreign investment
Economic development at the desired level is not possible in any way without investment. Even if a country is rich in natural resources, investment is needed to achieve prosperity through the use of those resources. Natural resources must be transformed and continuously modified to enhance economic utility. There are many countries in the world that are rich in natural resources, but due to lack of financial capacity to use those resources, they have to lease them to foreign companies. Foreign companies loot the natural resources of the country. Such situations have been observed in many African countries. Therefore, no dignified country wants to hand over its natural resources to the custody of another country.
Financial incentives for intermediaries cannot attract foreign investment
The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) has taken several initiatives to attract foreign investment. One such initiative is to offer financial incentives to expatriate Bangladeshis who act as intermediaries in attracting foreign investment. Any expatriate Bangladeshi who facilitates foreign investment will be provided with a financial incentive amounting to 1 percent of the investment they help secure. This investment must be new and amount to at least USD 5 million. Many expatriate Bangladeshis attempt to attract foreign investment by leveraging their personal image and relationships. The provision of financial incentives will undoubtedly encourage them.
Islami Bank holds Eid reunion programme
An Eid reunion was held at the head office of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC on Sunday organized by Islami Bank Officers’ Kallyan Somity (IBOKS).
Budget could have been more inclusive for expansion of SME sector
The VAT on all types of plastic products at the production stage has been increased from 7.5 percent to 15 percent. The tax on cotton yarn at the production stage has been raised from Tk 3 to Tk 5 per kg, and the same applies to yarn made from artificial fibres or blends. Additionally, VAT on blade production has also been increased.