Dhaka hopeful of favourable outcome from tariff negotiations: Salehuddin

Dhaka Optimistic Ahead of USTR Tariff Talks: Salehuddin

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday expressed hope for a more favourable outcome from upcoming one-on-one negotiations with the United States Trade Representative (USTR), following President Donald Trump’s announcement of new tariffs on imports from 14 countries, including Bangladesh.

“The final tariff will be decided through direct negotiations with the USTR. That’s why we’re holding the meeting—it hasn’t been finalised yet,” he told reporters after attending the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) meeting at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

The crucial meeting with the USTR is scheduled for July 8 (US time).

Addressing concerns about Bangladesh’s negotiation capacity, Salehuddin clarified: “Vietnam received deeper tariff cuts because their trade deficit with the US stands at $125 billion, while Bangladesh’s is only $5 billion. Naturally, they secured a better deal.”

He added that the Commerce Adviser has already been in Washington for the past three days, actively working on the issue.

“We’ll get a clearer picture after the July 8 meeting, which will take place early morning on July 9 Bangladesh time,” he noted.

Salehuddin assured that the government will determine its next steps based on the final outcome of the negotiations. “So far, all the discussions we’ve had have been encouraging,” he said.

Earlier Tuesday (Bangladesh time), President Trump posted a letter on his Truth Social account announcing a 35% tariff on Bangladeshi goods—down from the 37% initially proposed three months ago, but still significantly higher than the 20% tariff rate Vietnam negotiated. As part of that deal, Vietnam agreed to eliminate all import duties on American products.

Trump’s letters, addressed to leaders of 14 countries, outlined new tariffs set to take effect on August 1.

Besides Bangladesh, other affected countries include Myanmar and Laos (40%), Cambodia and Thailand (36%), Serbia (35%), Indonesia (32%), and South Africa, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Japan, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and Tunisia (25%).

The letters also warned against retaliatory tariff hikes, threatening further increases from the US side if such moves were made.