The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has invited Bangladesh for a second round of talks with the United States on the 35 percent countervailing duty. The talks began in Washington at 9 pm Bangladesh time on Wednesday. They will continue until July 11. In the talks, Dhaka is emphasizing on reducing the additional duties imposed by the United States and increasing bilateral trade overall. Good things are expected through negotiations in the talks.

Last Tuesday, US President Donald Trump sent a letter to Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus announcing the imposition of a 35 percent tariff on Bangladeshi products. The new tariff is expected to be imposed from August 1. If it comes into effect, the tariff on Bangladeshi products exported to the country will stand at 51 percent.
Earlier, on April 2, President Trump announced the imposition of various rates of tariff, including a maximum of 50 percent, on products from 60 countries entering the US market. At that time, it was said that a 37 percent tariff would be imposed on Bangladeshi products, which was supposed to take effect on April 9. However, at that time, the imposition of additional country-specific tariffs was suspended for three months. Before the end of this tariff break, Trump has set new tariffs on 14 countries, including Bangladesh. This has created new discomfort in exporting products to the United States.

On the same day, the US sent a tariff schedule document to Bangladesh to sign a counter-tariff agreement. USTR invited discussions on this. As part of this, discussions are scheduled to be held from July 9 to 11. On behalf of Bangladesh, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, Additional Secretary Dr. Nazneen Kausar Chowdhury and senior officials of the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington are participating in the discussions led by Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin. National Security Advisor to the Principal Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman will join the meeting virtually from Dhaka.

Before the meeting began yesterday, Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin told over mobile phone that the overall issue is being consciously reviewed. Not just the tariff issue, but the issue of bilateral trade is being given priority. In these cases, the meeting will discuss the issues that are best for the country. Overall, utmost importance is being given to protecting the country's interests. He expressed hope that something good will be achieved through the discussions.