Dhaka [Bangladesh], July 12 (ANI): The three-day second round of tariff talks between Bangladesh and the United States ended without a resolution, officials said Saturday.
“The two countries have agreed on some more issues on the third and final day of the second round of trade talks. However, some issues still remain unresolved. Both sides have decided that inter-ministerial talks will continue between them. Then representatives of the two countries will sit down for talks again,” the Bangladesh Chief Adviser’s Press Wing said in a statement.
The statement added that future discussions could be held virtually or in person and that the time and date would be fixed soon. The Trade Advisor, Secretary, and Additional Secretary are expected to return to Dhaka tomorrow but will travel again if necessary.
Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, who led the Bangladeshi delegation, and National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman expressed optimism that a positive outcome could still be reached within the stipulated timeframe. Special Assistant to the Principal Advisor Faiz Tayyab and other high-ranking officials also joined the talks virtually from Dhaka.
The discussions came amid a looming deadline set by the United States. Two days before the July 9 deadline, US President Donald Trump sent a letter to Bangladesh announcing a 35 percent tariff on Bangladeshi products effective August 1.
“We have had years to discuss our trading relationship with Bangladesh and have concluded that we must move away from these long-term and very persistent trade deficits engendered by Bangladesh’s tariff and non-tariff policies and trade barriers. Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from reciprocal. Starting on August 1, 2025, we will charge Bangladesh a tariff of only 35 percent on any and all Bangladeshi products sent into the United States, separate from all sectoral tariffs. Goods trans-shipped to evade a higher tariff will be subject to that higher tariff,” the letter read.
“Please understand that the 35 percent number is far less than what is needed to eliminate the trade deficit disparity we have with your country. If for any reason you decide to raise your tariffs, then whatever number you choose to raise them by will be added onto the 35 percent that we charge,” it added.
(ANI)
About The Author
