Washington, Aug 01 (V7N) – The United States has announced a 20 percent countervailing duty on goods imported from Bangladesh, revising a previously proposed 35 percent tariff. The decision was confirmed in an official document released by the White House on Thursday (local time).

The revised tariff marks a 15 percent reduction from the earlier proposed rate and takes effect immediately. The announcement is part of a broader revision of tariff policies affecting 70 countries and the European Union.

This move follows months of diplomatic engagement between Dhaka and Washington. A high-level Bangladeshi delegation, led by interim government Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin, recently held three rounds of negotiations with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in Washington to reduce the imposed duties.

Earlier in April, the US had imposed a steep 37 percent tariff on Bangladeshi goods, though it was later suspended. In July, a 35 percent tariff was reimposed, sparking renewed talks between the two countries.

Bangladesh exports approximately $8.4 billion worth of goods to the United States annually, with the bulk coming from the ready-made garment sector. Prior to the implementation of former President Donald Trump’s tariff reform policy, Bangladeshi exports to the US faced an average duty of around 15 percent.

Officials in Dhaka are closely monitoring the situation, as the new tariff could have significant implications for Bangladesh's export-driven economy. Further negotiations are expected in an effort to ease trade tensions and secure fairer access to the US market.

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