Bangladesh is preparing to increase imports from the United States in a strategic move to reduce its trade surplus and create leverage for renegotiating the recently imposed 37% reciprocal tariff on its exports, said Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin on Friday.
Speaking to reporters after a high-level emergency meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna, the commerce adviser said the government has launched intense discussions with the US side, aiming to secure tariff concessions ahead of the new duty’s implementation on 9 April.
“In line with our reform agenda, we are working to remove import barriers. Since we cannot reduce exports, Bangladesh is planning to raise its imports from the US as part of a broader strategy to negotiate this tariff,” said Sk Bashir Uddin.
The adviser noted that under World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, Bangladesh cannot selectively lower tariffs for a specific country. “However, the government can decide what it imports—such as fuel—from the US. We cannot impose preferences on the private sector, but we urge businesses to consider importing essential goods from the United States in view of our export interests,” he said.
Sk Bashir Uddin said, "The chief adviser will join the talks with the US administration. He will contact them directly."
The government’s response comes days after the Trump administration announced the 37% reciprocal tariff on Bangladeshi exports, citing a significant trade imbalance. The move has raised concern among exporters and business leaders.
Chief Adviser’s High Representative Khalilur Rahman sought to reassure the business community, saying, "There's no need to worry. We are in contact with the US administration. We are prepared... We will take measures soon. We will continue talks with the US administration to move forward," he added.
Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud said, “We have two days to continue our discussions and find a solution."
The United States remains Bangladesh’s single largest export market, making the new tariff a key concern for the interim administration. The government now hopes that increasing bilateral trade—particularly through US-bound imports—will soften the blow and lead to a favorable resolution.
The meeting started around 7:30pm at the state guest house, according to the Chief Adviser's Office.
Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur, Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain, NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan, Energy and Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Policy Research Institute Chairman economist Zaidi Sattar, Finance Secretary Khairuzzaman Mozumder, and chief adviser's envoy for International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqui, CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Principal Coordinator of SDG Affairs at the CAO Lamiya Murshed, among others, were present at the meeting.
