US President Donald Trump has formally notified Bangladesh of a proposed 35% tariff on its exports to the United States, set to take effect from August 1.
However, the US administration has indicated that the deadline is not absolute and may be subject to negotiation.
In a letter addressed to Bangladesh’s interim government chief advisor, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, President Trump outlined the tariff plans as part of a broader measure targeting 14 countries.
The letter follows a press briefing in Washington where Trump, after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told reporters that the proposed implementation date was “mostly fixed, but not entirely.”
He added that the US is open to discussion if Bangladesh expresses interest in renegotiating terms.
“If they talk to us and suggest they want to do something differently, we’re prepared to consider that. That’s the only way forward for now,” Trump remarked, leaving the door open for diplomatic engagement.
Bangladesh’s Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman has confirmed that at least seven rounds of talks—both virtual and in-person—have already taken place with US officials.
“We are hoping for a positive outcome,” he said, adding that the US is considering a two-tier structure: one for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) like Bangladesh, and another for other commercial partners.
Rahman also noted that US officials have given verbal assurances that the punitive tariff may be waived if negotiations continue to progress.
He emphasized that Bangladesh is recognized as "the most advanced" among LDCs and aims to secure a deal that is at least equal to or better than the recent US–Vietnam trade agreement, which imposes a 20% tariff on exports, rising to 40% for transshipped goods.
The US has reportedly shown particular interest in gaining duty-free access for its goods entering the Bangladeshi market, especially in competitive sectors like the automobile industry, where Bangladesh already has trade agreements with other nations.
Bangladesh is awaiting final documentation before making any binding commitments. “We will not take a unilateral decision. This will be a consultative process,” said the commerce secretary.
Meanwhile, a high-level Bangladeshi delegation, led by Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin and including National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman, is currently in Washington to conduct tariff negotiations. The team aims to secure a mutually beneficial agreement between the two countries.
The delegation has already held several rounds of talks with their US counterparts and is scheduled for another negotiation session on Wednesday, July 9.
The government in Dhaka remains optimistic that an agreement can be reached before the proposed tariff goes into effect.
