The European Union Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham) urges the interim Government to avoid discrimination against European Union (EU) companies, as Bangladesh considers offering substantial trade concessions to the United States.

The EuroCham raised its concern through a press release today.

US President Donald Trump on April 2 announced the additional 37 percent tariff on imports from Bangladesh, effective from April 9.

After that, Bangladesh government said that it was discussing to ease tariff barriers on US products in order to raise imports from the western country.

In this perspective, EuroCham issued the press release saying "The EU is Bangladesh's largest and most reliable trading partner, accounting for half of all exports, with longstanding duty free and quota free preferential access granted to Bangladesh under the everything but Arms scheme since 2001.

Bangladesh enjoys a notably higher trade surplus with the EU compared to its other trade partners.

Out of a total €22 billion trade in 2024, EU exports accounted for only €2 billion, resulting in a trade balance strongly in favour of Bangladesh.

High tariffs and non- tariff barriers hinder EU companies' efforts to do business with and export to Bangladesh.

EuroCham encourages the government to reaffirm its commitment to a rules-based trading system and to pursue essential trade policy and customs reforms, while ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all trading partners.

EuroCham stands ready to collaborate with the Government in addressing current challenges and to support a smooth and sustainable transition in the post-LDC graduation phase, it added.