Dhaka urges US to cut 20% reciprocal tariff

National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman has met US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer and held a separate meeting with USTR Assistant Brendan Lynch, where he has proposed to reduce the existing 20 percent reciprocal tariff on trade with the United States, officials said.

The meetings were held in Washington, DC, on Thursday afternoon, according to a statement issued by the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Friday morning (January 9).

During the discussions, Dr. Rahman updated Ambassador Greer on Bangladesh’s progress in reducing the trade deficit with the United States.

He said, "Bangladesh had achieved significant progress by increasing imports from the US even before the formal implementation of a reciprocal trade agreement". He added that," Several key provisions of the agreement had already been put into effect".

Dr. Rahman proposed reducing the existing 20 percent reciprocal tariff. Ambassador Greer assured that the proposal would be given positive consideration and agreed to seriously examine the suggestion to reduce or fully withdraw tariffs on garments manufactured using US raw materials.

Both sides agreed to promptly resolve outstanding issues to finalise and accelerate the implementation of the reciprocal tariff agreement.

Expressing optimism, Dr. Rahman said, "Expanded trade would further strengthen business relations between the two countries". Referring to Bangladesh’s recent inclusion in the US visa bond programme, he urged Ambassador Greer to facilitate travel for Bangladeshi businesspeople.

Dr. Rahman also sought DFC funding for Bangladesh’s private sector, to which Ambassador Greer pledged necessary efforts.