Dhaka, July 08 (V7N) — Bangladesh has confirmed that high-level trade negotiations are ongoing with the United States following President Donald Trump's decision to impose a 35 percent tariff on Bangladeshi products entering the U.S. market, effective August 1, 2025.

The update was shared by Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, in a verified Facebook post around 9 a.m. on Tuesday.

According to the post, Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin is currently leading a Bangladesh delegation in Washington, D.C.. The team also includes National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman.

The delegation has already held several rounds of discussions with U.S. officials. A key meeting is scheduled for July 9, where Sheikh Bashiruddin will again represent the Bangladeshi side.

“Dhaka hopes that it will be possible to reach a reasonable tariff agreement with Washington, which will be beneficial for both countries,” Shafiqul Alam wrote.

The ongoing talks follow President Trump’s Truth Social announcement on Monday, where he reinstated tariffs on Bangladeshi goods just ahead of the expiration of a three-month suspension granted in April due to global economic instability.

Trump had originally imposed a 37 percent tariff on Bangladeshi goods, which went into effect on April 9. However, that tariff was suspended for 90 days amid diplomatic pressure and economic concerns. With that suspension set to expire on July 9, the White House has now introduced a slightly reduced 35 percent tariff—still a serious blow to Bangladesh’s export sector.

The new tariff affects a wide range of Bangladeshi products, particularly its ready-made garment (RMG) exports, which are a cornerstone of the country’s economy and its trade relationship with the United States.

Trade experts warn that the move could destabilize Bangladesh’s export earnings and put thousands of jobs at risk, unless an agreement is reached in time.

The Bangladeshi government has yet to issue an official public response, but all indications suggest that efforts are being made at the highest diplomatic levels to avert a full-blown trade dispute.

END/RH/AJ