The United States has lowered its reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi goods from 35% to 20%, effective Aug. 7, according to a White House announcement made Wednesday. The move aims to strengthen Bangladesh’s competitive position in the U.S. market amid growing regional competition.
Government officials, including Muhammad Yunus, Sk. Bashir Uddin and Khalilur Rahman, along with industry leaders such as Rubana Huq, Mahmud Hasan Khan, Fazlee Shamim Ehsan and Showkat Aziz Russell, have welcomed the decision.
The tariff reduction follows diplomatic negotiations in which Bangladesh agreed to increase imports of U.S. agricultural products. Political figures including Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Shafiqur Rahman have pointed to the agreement’s potential to expand bilateral trade.
U.S. officials said the measure is part of a broader effort to diversify supply chains while supporting Bangladesh’s export-oriented industries. By easing trade barriers on select goods, the U.S. aims to promote a more balanced commercial relationship and encourage deeper economic engagement.
The adjustment is expected to align long-term commercial interests between the two countries and lay the groundwork for increased trade and future collaboration.