BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury believes the Trump administration’s decision to reduce reciprocal tariffs on Bangladeshi exports from 35 percent to 20 percent is a “satisfactory outcome” for the export sector.
“This isn’t about victory or defeat. Given the tariff levels
, we are now in a relatively satisfactory position," the former commerce minister told reporters at his Gulshan residence on Friday, reports bdnews24.com.“The tariff rate now aligns with those imposed on our competitors, and that’s acceptable. It’s satisfactory.”
However, the true implications will only become clear once the finer points of the negotiations are revealed, according to him.
“All we know is the tariff rate. Only after understanding the full scope of the negotiations can we comment further. Until we know what had to be given up in return for this reduction, we cannot assess the true impact.”
The revised tariff is part of a broader restructuring of US trade policy affecting several trading partners. For instance, the rate for Sri Lanka was lowered from 30 percent to 20 percent, while Pakistan’s rate dropped from 29 percent to 19 percent. Tariff rates for Bangladesh`s other competitors Vietnam and India now stand at 20 percent and 25 percent, respectively.
Amir Khosru emphasised that trade deals are rarely confined to just a figure. He suggested the reduction likely came as part of a broader agreement involving other terms, such as potential US exports or specific conditions. These must be disclosed before a full evaluation can be made.
When asked if the revised tariff had brought relief to Bangladeshi exporters, he said: “The 20 percent tariff will not hinder our export market at the moment. So for now, it’s a satisfactory outcome.”
“But there are many other aspects related to this that we don’t yet know. Once we do, we can make more informed comments.”
When asked if he saw a link between the new tariff rate and Bangladesh’s recent indication to purchase 25 Boeing aircraft from the US, he said: “Something had to be done. The entire US tariff approach is based on ensuring exports of American products. That’s the reason behind the imposition of these extra tariffs.”
“But the real discussion is about how much Bangladesh can absorb -- how much our economy and businesses can absorb. We can comment only after evaluating all of this in detail.”
He continued, “We must keep in mind that this isn’t just about tariffs. There are other elements involved that must be considered collectively. That broader perspective is vital for the days ahead.”
“For now, I believe our exporters are experiencing some relief."
He urged the interim government to provide clarity on the matter.
“We don`t just trade with the US. We export to many countries. We need to evaluate where we stand globally in light of this and conduct a thorough review.”
“At the same time, we need to diversify our exports, both in terms of destinations and products. We cannot have an economy that’s overly dependent on the US. That is our challenge for the future.”
To meet the challenge, Bangladesh needs to improve its investment climate, boost public participation in the economy, and build capacity, according to Khosru.
"We need change through deregulation, reevaluation, and major reforms. That’s the direction we must take in the days ahead.”
