Tariff talks: Bangladesh, US agree on most issues

Bangladesh and the United States have reached a broad consensus on most issues during the first day of the second round of tariff negotiations, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington.

In a Facebook post at 3 a.m. Dhaka time, Golam Mortoza, Press Minister at the Embassy, said discussions on Bangladesh–US tariff issues had concluded for the day and would resume over the next two days.

“Both sides have agreed on most points in terms of logic and arguments. However, it is too early to comment on the tariff issue,” Mortoza noted.

The talks, held with representatives from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), aim to finalize a draft bilateral trade agreement. The agreement could pave the way for Bangladesh to gain exemption from the 35% tariff currently imposed by the U.S.

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin is leading the Bangladesh delegation. National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb are participating virtually from Dhaka.

Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman and Additional Secretary Dr. Nazneen Kauser Chowdhury joined the meeting in person, having arrived in Washington earlier Tuesday.

Negotiations are scheduled to continue through Friday.