US announces trade agreement with Bangladesh

According to CCTV News, the White House of the United States announced on the 9th the trade agreement signed with Bangladesh, which provides preferential market access for American industrial and agricultural products. The United States will reduce the so-called "equivalent tariff" rate imposed on Bangladeshi goods from 20% to 19%, and consider exempting some textile and clothing products from the so-called "equivalent tariff".

Bangladeshi business and analysts point out that although the trade agreement has achieved tariff reductions in form, Bangladesh has not received equal tariff treatment compared to its main competitors, which means that the agreement has limited impact on improving Bangladesh's export competitiveness. Related parties are concerned that the symbolic tax reduction will not fundamentally change the disadvantaged position of Bangladesh's garment and other pillar industries in the US market.

The Trump administration announced in early April 2025 a so-called "equivalent tariff" of 37% on Bangladeshi goods. This tax rate was reduced to 20% in August last year.