[🇧🇩] Trump's Victory/Tariff/ Bangladesh

[Saif]

China to support Bangladesh to counter US tariffs

Yao Wen made the remarks at the “DCAB Talk” organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at National Press Club in Dhaka on Tuesday.

en.prothomalo.com

China to support Bangladesh to counter US tariffs
Diplomatic Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 29 Jul 2025, 22: 36

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen addresses the “DCAB Talk” event organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at National Press Club in Dhaka on 29 July 2025. Collected

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said China views the imposition of tariffs by the United States as part of its effort to expand dominance, and his country will assist Bangladesh to offset the impact of the US’ reciprocal tariffs.

Yao Wen made the remarks at the “DCAB Talk” organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at National Press Club in Dhaka on Tuesday.

Replying to a query on the US-imposed tariffs, the Chinese ambassador said that China opposes such counter-tariffs. China sees these US measures as part of an attempt to assert hegemony. The imposition of such tariffs undermines the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework and is not conducive to international trade. This is unreasonable, unfair, and unjust, he added.

Ambassador Yao Wen further said China will support Bangladesh under the WTO framework to mitigate the adverse effects of the US’ reciprocal tariffs. He also emphasised the need to expand Bangladesh’s export markets and enhance its export capabilities.

Bangladesh is on track to graduate from the list of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) by 2026. China will continue to provide Bangladesh with duty-free access to 100 per cent of its products until 2028 in order to support this transition,.

DCAB president AKM Moinuddin presided over the event and general secretary Arifuzzaman Mamun delivered the welcome address.​

 

[Saif]

3rd-round tariff talks enter 2nd day

The third round of tariff talks of Bangladesh with the United States entered the second day on Wednesday, just one day before a steep 35 per cent tariff on Bangladeshi exports to the US market comes into effect...

www.newagebd.net

3rd-round tariff talks enter 2nd day
Staff Correspondent 30 July, 2025, 23:58

The third round of tariff talks of Bangladesh with the United States entered the second day on Wednesday, just one day before a steep 35 per cent tariff on Bangladeshi exports to the US market comes into effect.

The Bangladeshi delegation was set to join the second day’s talks with the Office of United States Trade Representative, responsible for developing and promoting US foreign trade policies, at 9:00am (Washington time) on Wednesday, in the hope of reducing the rate of the ‘reciprocal tariff’, according to a social media post by Golam Mortoza, press minister at the Bangladesh embassy in Washington.

On July 8, US president Donald Trump imposed the 35 per cent tariff on Bangladeshi exports, with effect from August 1, on top of sectoral tariffs of up to 15-16 per cent.

The first day of the third and final round of the tariff talks ended with positive responses, said commerce secretary Mahbubur Rahman on Wednesday morning.

Talking to New Age at about 8:00am (Bangladesh time) from Wessington, he said that they had a fruitful discussion with the US on Tuesday.New Age specials

‘As they invited us here in person and we have got positive responses from them, we are hopeful that the tariff imposed on Bangladesh would be reduced,’ he added.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, in a post on Truth Social, Trump slapped India with a 25 per cent ‘reciprocal tariff’ along with penalty, mainly for importing military equipment and energy from Russia and China.

Mahbubur also said that the United States Trade Representative usually did not hint at anything before everything became official, but their responses indicated that the tariff on Bangladesh would be reduced.

‘We hope the tariff on us would be reduced significantly, but it is not possible to say exactly by how much at this moment,’ he said, adding that they had meetings scheduled for the second day.

The first day of the third round of tariff negotiations began at 12:30pm (Washington time) or 10:30pm (Dhaka time) on Tuesday and ended at 5:30pm (Washington time) on Tuesday or 3:30am on Wednesday (Dhaka time).

Led by commerce adviser Sk Bashir Uddin, national security adviser Khalilur Rahman, commerce secretary Mahbubur Rahman and additional secretary Nazneen Kawshar Chowdhury were also present at the meeting. Some officials also joined virtually.

On the US side, the talks were led by US assistant trade representative Brendan Lynch.

The embassy of Bangladesh in Washington coordinated the negotiation process.

The Bangladeshi delegation, led by the commerce adviser, left Dhaka for Washington Monday evening.

A number of Bangladeshi businesses also travelled to Washington, though they would not attend the meeting. They would seek business-to-business negotiations with US businesses.

Earlier, the second round of tariff discussions ended on July 11, but failed to produce a consensus from either side regarding the tariff policy.

In 2024, Bangladesh exported goods worth about $8.4 billion to the US, of which $7.34 billion accounted for readymade garments. In the year, the country imported US goods worth $2.2 billion.

The US is pressuring Bangladesh to lower the trade deficit in order to secure a ‘favourable’ tariff rate.

Bangladesh plans to purchase 25 Boeing aircraft as part of the trade negotiations with the US.

Earlier, on July 20, Bangladesh signed a memorandum of understanding with the US to import 7 lakh tonnes of wheat annually for the next five years to reduce the trade deficit with the US.

On July 23, the interim government decided to procure 2.20 lakh tonnes of wheat from the US at $302.75 a tonne.

Recently, the Trump administration has revised down the tariffs on Indonesia and Vietnam to 19 per cent and 20 per cent per cent, respectively. Both the countries are Bangladesh’s competitors in the global RMG export market.

Earlier, on April 3, the US had imposed a 37 per cent ‘reciprocal’ tariff on Bangladeshi exports, but on April 9 the US president declared a pause on the tariff for three months.

After the pause, Bangladesh entered into the first round of tariff talks with the US.​

 

[Saif]

Trump tariff and the impending catastrophe for many nations

The so-called "reciprocal tariff" policy of the U.S. administration has already emerged as a potentially destabilising force in global trade -- arguably more damaging than any recent disruption. While third world countries are likely to suffer the worst consequences, particularly those like B

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Trump tariff and the impending catastrophe for many nations

Published :
Aug 01, 2025 00:35
Updated :
Aug 01, 2025 00:35

The so-called "reciprocal tariff" policy of the U.S. administration has already emerged as a potentially destabilising force in global trade -- arguably more damaging than any recent disruption. While third world countries are likely to suffer the worst consequences, particularly those like Bangladesh that enjoy a trade surplus with the U.S., others -- even those with minimal trade ties to the U.S. -- may also face significant fallout. The Asia Floor Wage Alliance (AFWA), a coalition of trade unions representing garment workers across Asia, has raised the alarm, warning that the tariff imposition could trigger a humanitarian crisis and deepen inequality in the global garment industry. In a strongly worded statement, the alliance called for brand accountability, asserting that companies benefiting from outsourced production must not remain silent when tariffs result in factory closures and mass layoffs. "The U.S. government's recent imposition of tariffs on apparel imports from Asia endangers the livelihoods of millions of garment workers -- most of them women -- who already earn poverty-level wages," the statement noted.

Drawing unsettling parallels with the COVID-19 pandemic -- when global brands abandoned their responsibilities, leading to widespread layoffs, unpaid wages, and factory shutdowns -- AFWA cautioned that a similar catastrophe looms. Without proactive intervention, history may well repeat itself. AFWA's Deputy International Coordinator, Wiranta Ginting, emphasised that tariffs should not be wielded as weapons in geopolitical conflicts. While tariffs can be legitimate fiscal tools, they are now being used as punitive measures with little regard for consequences. Realistically, reshoring apparel manufacturing to the U.S. is economically unfeasible due to high production costs, which would render clothing unaffordable for domestic and international consumers alike. AFWA also pointed out that the current U.S. tariff policy does not serve the interests of American labour. Instead, it punishes Asian economies for geopolitical reasons and risks destabilising the region's production base. The alliance warned that such disproportionate measures could incite unhealthy competition among countries and fragment the garment workforce.

In addition to condemning protectionist trade policies, AFWA underscored the need to hold global brands accountable for their sourcing decisions. Rejecting what it described as an exploitative global trade model that enriches brands while plunging workers into poverty and debt, AFWA said that brands must not be allowed to profit from low-wage labour and then disappear when crisis strikes, emphasising that governments should not weaponise trade at the expense of human lives. The alliance called for a vision rooted in balanced industrial development and equitable revenue distribution.

There is little room to dispute the merit of AFWA's concerns. The so-called reciprocal tariff undermines the rule-based international trading system, one that strives for equity and cooperation. As things stand, the prospects of avoiding a looming crisis appear slim. For Bangladesh, the situation is particularly alarming. With an economy heavily reliant on apparel exports -- and the U.S. as its largest single market -- the fallout from these tariffs could prove devastating.​

 

[Saif]

US cuts tariffs on Bangladesh to 20% after talks

The deal for Dhaka was secured just hours before a midnight deadline set by President Donald Trump

www.thedailystar.net

US cuts tariffs on Bangladesh to 20% after talks

The United States has slashed its tariff rate on goods from Bangladesh to 20 percent, a significant reduction from the previous 35 percent, after a final round of intense negotiations in Washington.

The White House confirmed the new rate on Friday, a move expected to provide a substantial boost to Bangladeshi exports, particularly in the crucial garment sector. The breakthrough came after high-level discussions between Bangladeshi officials and the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the main body overseeing US trade policy.

The deal for Dhaka was secured just hours before a midnight deadline set by President Donald Trump and stands out against a broader protectionist trade policy.

In a separate announcement, the White House said Trump would maintain a minimum global tariff of 10 percent, while imports from countries holding trade surpluses with the US would face duties of 15 percent or higher.

The successful negotiation for Bangladesh presents a stark contrast to the administration's treatment of other key trading partners, notably India.

Washington has threatened New Delhi with tariffs of 25 percent, a figure that would single it out more severely than most major economies, with the exception of Canada, which was hit with 35 percent tariff rate​

 

[Saif]

Tariff cut brings relief, but buyers must bear the cost: BGMEA chief

The President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Mahmud Hasan Khan, has said the recent reduction of US counter-tariffs from 35% to 20% offers relief to the apparel sector after months of uncertainty. “This added tariff must be borne by the importers a

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tariff cut brings relief, but buyers must bear the cost: BGMEA chief

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Aug 01, 2025 22:36
Updated :
Aug 01, 2025 22:36

The President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Mahmud Hasan Khan, has said the recent reduction of US counter-tariffs from 35% to 20% offers relief to the apparel sector after months of uncertainty.

“This added tariff must be borne by the importers and buyers, not the suppliers,” he stated in a written statement on Friday (August 01), as per local media reports.

Khan noted that while Bangladesh faces 1% higher tariffs than Pakistan, it enjoys a 5% lower rate than India and 10% lower than China, keeping the country competitive.

He warned, however, that buyers might reduce orders if they cannot secure extra financing, as the higher tariff affects their capital flow.

He urged BGMEA members not to absorb these additional costs and emphasised that final consumers in the US would ultimately bear the burden. He also highlighted the need for Bangladesh to meet its trade commitments to avoid future risks.​

 

[Saif]

CA lauds BD tariff negotiation team

In a message on Friday, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus lauded the Bangladesh team for successful negotiations with their US counterpart in Washington. “By reducing the tariff to 20 per cent, 17 points lower than anticipated, our negotiators have demonstrated remarkable strategic skil

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

CA lauds BD tariff negotiation team

FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
Aug 01, 2025 20:10
Updated :
Aug 01, 2025 20:10

In a message on Friday, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus lauded the Bangladesh team for successful negotiations with their US counterpart in Washington.

“By reducing the tariff to 20 per cent, 17 points lower than anticipated, our negotiators have demonstrated remarkable strategic skill and unwavering commitment to safeguarding and advancing Bangladesh’s economic interests”, he said.

“We proudly congratulate the Bangladesh tariff negotiators on securing a landmark trade deal with the United States, a decisive diplomatic victory”.

They have been working relentlessly since February and navigated successfully through a complex negotiating process involving tariff, non-tariff and national security matters, De Yunus added.

“The agreement they negotiated preserves our comparative advantage, enhances our access to the world’s largest consumer market and safeguards our core national interests”.

“This achievement not only underscores Bangladesh’s rising strength on the global stage but also opens the door to greater opportunities, accelerated growth, and lasting prosperity”.

“The future of Bangladesh is undeniably bright. Today’s success stands as a powerful testament to the nation’s resilience and its bold vision for a stronger economy tomorrow”.​

 

[Saif]

Jamaat Ameer thanks President Trump for tariff cut

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Friday thanked United States (US) President Donald Trump for his decision to lower its reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi products from 35 percent to 20 percent. Shafiqur Rahman also thanked the interim government led by Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunu

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Jamaat Ameer thanks President Trump for tariff cut

Published :
Aug 01, 2025 19:25
Updated :
Aug 01, 2025 19:25

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman on Friday thanked United States (US) President Donald Trump for his decision to lower its reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi products from 35 percent to 20 percent.

Shafiqur Rahman also thanked the interim government led by Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus for the landmark trade deal with the US, reports BSS.

“Alhamdulillah, the high tax rate announced by the US on Bangladesh’s export products has been reduced to 20 percent due to the effective initiatives of the Bangladesh government and the sincerity of the US government. For this, I thank President Donald Trump and Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus’ government,” he said in a post on his verified Facebook ID.

He hoped that in the future, Dr. Muhammad Yunus and those who will come to the power of the state will maintain their honorable position and fulfill their dignified duties in the arena of world diplomacy.

The US has reduced its tariff rate on goods from Bangladesh to 20 percent, a significant reduction from the previous 35 percent, after a final round of intense negotiations in Washington.

The announcement was made by the White House today, after the final round of the talks in Washington DC between Bangladeshi officials and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the main body responsible for overseeing US trade policy.​

 

[Saif]

US tariff cut on Bangladesh exports ‘satisfactory for now’, says Amir Khosru

BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury believes the Trump administration’s decision to reduce reciprocal tariffs on Bangladeshi exports from 35 per cent to 20 per cent is a “satisfactory outcome” for the export sector, according to bdnews24.com. “This isn’t about vic

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

US tariff cut on Bangladesh exports ‘satisfactory for now’, says Amir Khosru

Published :
Aug 01, 2025 17:48
Updated :
Aug 01, 2025 17:54

BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury believes the Trump administration’s decision to reduce reciprocal tariffs on Bangladeshi exports from 35 per cent to 20 per cent is a “satisfactory outcome” for the export sector, according to bdnews24.com.

“This isn’t about victory or defeat. Given the tariff levels [facing Bangladesh's competitors], we are now in a relatively satisfactory position," the former commerce minister told reporters at his Gulshan residence on Friday.

“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 per cent to 20 per cent, while Pakistan’s rate dropped from 29 per cent to 19 per cent. Tariff rates for Bangladesh's other competitors Vietnam and India now stand at 20 per cent and 25 per cent, 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 per cent 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.”​

 

[Saif]

A trade triumph for Bangladesh

At a time when global trade tensions are running high and tariffs are being used as tools of economic pressure, Bangladesh's achievement in securing a lower duty from the United States is both remarkable and beneficial. The reduction of the reciprocal tariff to 20 per cent from the previously annou

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

A trade triumph for Bangladesh

Published :
Aug 02, 2025 00:22
Updated :
Aug 02, 2025 00:22

At a time when global trade tensions are running high and tariffs are being used as tools of economic pressure, Bangladesh's achievement in securing a lower duty from the United States is both remarkable and beneficial. The reduction of the reciprocal tariff to 20 per cent from the previously announced 37 per cent not only protects Bangladesh's key export sectors from sudden disruption but also strengthens its foothold in the American market. Secured after months of rigorous negotiations, this outcome positions the country favourably alongside other key competitors like Vietnam and Sri Lanka which also face the same 20 per cent rate, while larger economies like India and China will grapple with higher tariffs of 25 per cent or more. The result demonstrates both the diplomatic finesse and clear understanding of global trade dynamics by Bangladesh's negotiating team led by commerce adviser Sk Bashir Uddin. Chief adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus aptly described this as a "landmark trade deal" and a "decisive diplomatic victory" which preserves and advances the country's comparative advantage in an increasingly complex global trade environment.

From an economic standpoint, the reduced tariff acts as an important protection for Bangladesh's export-driven growth model. In particular, the ready-made garment sector which forms the backbone of the country's exports and accounts for a significant share of its shipments to the US stands to take many positives. At the very least, this effectively restores Bangladesh's export position in the $8.0 billion US market to what it was before the tariffs. The Business and Tariff Management Association (BTMA) has also noted that this outcome levels the playing field, if not tilts it slightly in Bangladesh's favour, compared to many other exporting countries. While competitors like Cambodia and Pakistan negotiated a marginally lower 19 per cent tariff, Bangladesh's larger production capacity, well-established supply chains and economies of scale in the ready-made garment sector more than compensate for this slight difference.

The diplomatic success in securing a reduction of the US tariff notwithstanding, the outcome raises important questions about what Bangladesh may have had to offer in return. Media reports suggest the concession was partly achieved through commitments to purchase 25 Boeing aircraft and other American commodities such as wheat and cotton aimed at narrowing the trade imbalance. However, the wisdom of investing heavily in Boeing jets is questionable, especially given Biman Bangladesh Airlines' longstanding reputation for poor service and operational inefficiencies. The airline reportedly experiences an average 23 per cent vacancy rate on international routes. Rather than expanding a struggling civilian fleet, Bangladesh might have prioritised more strategic defence acquisitions such as advanced fighter jets for the Bangladesh Air Force, the aging fleet of which faces safety and operational risks. Notably, Vietnam has reportedly procured F-16s through similar trade negotiations, a move that shows how defence procurement can simultaneously help address trade deficits while enhancing sovereign capabilities.

Furthermore, to make the most of this achievement and the opportunities from the lower tariff, the government must address the challenges facing other export-oriented industries that continue to hold back growth. For instance, the leather and footwear sector remains constrained by the absence of a fully functional Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) in the Savar Tannery Industrial Complex. This sector has the potential to become a major source of foreign exchange, provided compliance and environmental concerns are resolved. Policymakers must undertake the necessary reforms to ensure Bangladesh does not miss the opportunity to diversify its export basket, thus paving the way for sustained economic growth in the years ahead.​

 

[Saif]

Prof Yunus sees bright future for Bangladesh as it secures 20pc US tariff rate

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday said they proudly congratulate the Bangladesh tariff negotiators on securing a landmark trade deal with the United States, a decisive diplomatic victory. "The future of Bangladesh is undeniably bright. Today’s success stands as a powerf

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Prof Yunus sees bright future for Bangladesh as it secures 20pc US tariff rate

UNB
Published :
Aug 01, 2025 09:37
Updated :
Aug 01, 2025 09:37

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday said they proudly congratulate the Bangladesh tariff negotiators on securing a landmark trade deal with the United States, a decisive diplomatic victory.

"The future of Bangladesh is undeniably bright. Today’s success stands as a powerful testament to the nation’s resilience and its bold vision for a stronger economic tomorrow," Prof Yunus said
in a message after successful tariff negotiations with the United States.
.
By reducing the tariff to 20 per cent, 17 points lower than anticipated, he said their negotiators have demonstrated remarkable strategic skill and unwavering commitment to safeguarding and advancing Bangladesh’s economic interests.

Prof Yunus said they have been working relentlessly since February and navigated successfully through a complex negotiating process involving tariff, non-tariff and national security matters.

"The agreement they negotiated preserves our comparative advantage, enhaces our access to the world's largest consumer market and safeguards our core national interests," he said in his message shared by Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.

This achievement not only underscores Bangladesh’s rising strength on the global stage but also opens the door to greater opportunities, accelerated growth, and lasting prosperity, Prof Yunus said.​