The government of Bangladesh is considering bringing private sector representatives into its ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, as it prepares to respond to three proposed US tariff schedules by early next week.
According to Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, Bangladesh is currently reviewing the documents shared by the US Trade Representative (USTR) and will submit its response by Sunday or Monday. An inter-ministerial meeting has been scheduled for Saturday to finalize the agreed tariff lines.
Rahman noted that most issues have already been settled but declined to share specifics due to a non-disclosure agreement between the two countries. However, he confirmed that the commerce ministry plans to engage business leaders from top trade bodies in future discussions.
The third round of talks, expected to take place in Washington before August 1, remains unscheduled. The new US tariff regime—announced under the Trump administration—includes a steep 35% reciprocal duty on Bangladeshi goods. Commerce officials are expected to request a fresh meeting date after Saturday’s internal review.
The potential impact on Bangladesh’s $8.2 billion garment exports to the US has raised alarm. Exporters warn of price pressure from US buyers and possible loss of market share to competitors like Vietnam, India, and Indonesia, which face lower tariff hikes.
Shovon Islam of Sparrow Group said buyers are already demanding price cuts, even though the final rates are still pending. With Bangladesh holding a 9.2% share of the US apparel market, industry leaders fear serious economic repercussions if steep tariffs are enforced.