Delegation to visit US next week to discuss tariffs

A high-powered delegation from Bangladesh is scheduled to visit the US next week to discuss the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin said yesterday.
"The delegation will explore the factors behind the trade imbalance, tariff and non-tariff barriers, and strategies to increase the supply of complementary goods between the two countries," he said at a view-exchange meeting organised by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum.
They will also seek a clearer understanding of US expectations regarding tariff matters, he added.
Bashir said the government is formulating a strategy to address the new tariffs slapped by the Trump administration on goods entering the American market.
Products made in Bangladesh will face a fresh 37 percent tariff when entering the US market after the end of a 90-day pause announced by Trump on countries except China.
"The US unilaterally imposed the tariffs. Although the decision has been suspended for 90 days, we are actively working on ways to make any future imposition more tolerable," he said in response to queries.
The commerce adviser said the tariff being imposed to reduce the trade imbalance is unjustified.
This is because the US has considered only goods trade while ignoring service-based exchanges.
"We are using various American platforms such as Google and Facebook and utilising multiple banking channels, but those services have not been taken into account," he said.
"Also, a significant portion of US goods is imported through third countries. If all factors are calculated, the actual trade deficit with the US would look quite different."
He said a special adviser to the chief adviser is closely engaged and is holding regular meetings with government entities, stakeholders, and economists to address the issue.
"The delegation will define a clear action plan following discussions and present the US with Bangladesh's tariff and non-tariff structure. They will also highlight the diversity of trade within the WTO framework," he said.
Bashir said Bangladesh is considering increasing imports from the US and assessing the required infrastructural and policy support.
Bangladesh imported $2.2 billion from America and exported $8.4 billion in 2024.
"We are also exploring how to boost trade in complementary goods like animal feed, cotton, oilseeds, and others," he said.
"I will travel to the US with a final set of proposals," he concluded.
The event was chaired by BSRF President Fosih Uddin Mahtab and moderated by BSRF General Secretary Masudul Haque.
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