01/08/2025
US cuts tariffs on Bangladesh to 20% after talks
Refayet Ullah Mirdha
Fri Aug 1, 2025 05:47 AM
Published : The Daily Star
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
