Washington/Dhaka, July 30 (ANI): Bangladesh and the United States opened a new round of formal talks in Washington on Tuesday to address ongoing tariff tensions and advance broader trade and defence cooperation.
The high-level meetings, scheduled from July 30 to August 1, come weeks after the US announced a steep 35% tariff on Bangladeshi goods, set to take effect on August 1.
Led by Bangladesh Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin and National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, the Dhaka delegation arrived in Washington Tuesday morning. The US side is headed by Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch, with participation from trade and customs officials.
Preceding the official session at 2 PM (US local time), informal discussions began earlier in the day and will continue until evening. Talks are set to resume on Wednesday morning.
The meetings are being closely watched, as Bangladesh and the US aim to rebalance a complex relationship marked by trade frictions, strategic cooperation, and shared security interests.
Food and Trade: Bangladesh Signs Wheat Import Deal with US
Amid the tariff standoff, Bangladesh and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to import 700,000 tonnes of wheat annually. The deal was inked between Bangladesh’s Food Department and the US Wheat Associates, witnessed by Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumdar.
Officials said the wheat MoU is part of broader trade initiatives between the two countries, which also include expanding LNG imports and a proposed deal to purchase 25 Boeing aircraft.
Food Adviser Majumdar described the wheat agreement as a “foundation of trust” and a step toward stronger food security, nutrition, and bilateral cooperation.
“This MoU was signed to ensure overall food supply and nutritional quality for Bangladesh,” the interim government said in a statement.
Defence Ties Strengthen Amid Tariff Disputes
Despite the tariff hike, the US and Bangladesh are pushing forward with joint defence initiatives.
“The Armed Forces of Bangladesh and the United States military will continue their longstanding partnership this summer through three joint exercises and the delivery of a new capability that will reinforce our common security interests,” the US Embassy in Dhaka said.
The exercises are seen as a signal that strategic cooperation remains strong, even as trade tensions simmer.
US Tariff Deadline Looms
The latest talks come just days ahead of the August 1 deadline for new tariffs, which were announced by US President Donald Trump in a July 9 letter.
While Bangladesh is seeking a rollback of the duties, the US has not yet signalled any formal reassessment. The outcome of this round could determine whether Dhaka secures any relief—or whether the tariff regime triggers broader impacts on trade flows.
Officials from several Bangladeshi ministries and departments are also participating in the meetings virtually from Dhaka.
This is the third round of bilateral talks since the imposition of the tariff threat, and both sides are under pressure to find common ground before August.