Bangladesh’s interim government has begun discussions with the administration of US President Donald Trump following the imposition of new tariffs on Bangladeshi exports, as Dhaka seeks to reduce its trade imbalance with the United States and safeguard bilateral trade relations.
The issue was discussed at an emergency meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Saturday evening.
Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin told reporters after the meeting that Bangladesh was evaluating measures to address the impact of the tariff decision and exploring ways to increase trade with the United States.
Officials attending the meeting included High Representative for Rohingya Affairs Khalilur Rahman, Special Envoy Lutfe Siddiqi, National Board of Revenue Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur, and other senior policymakers.
According to the trade adviser, Bangladesh is considering increasing imports from the United States, including cotton, energy products, and other goods, while also addressing non-tariff trade barriers to strengthen bilateral commerce.
He added that the structure of Bangladesh’s export industry could still create opportunities in the US market. Officials also said Bangladesh had already engaged with US trade representatives earlier this year regarding trade facilitation measures, including steps to ease cotton imports from the United States.
