Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has expressed strong optimism about achieving better outcomes from upcoming trade negotiations with the United States regarding tariffs on Bangladeshi goods.
Speaking to reporters at the Bangladesh Secretariat after chairing meetings of the Advisers Council Committee on Economic Affairs and the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase, Dr. Salehuddin said the key meeting with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is scheduled for July 9 in Washington, D.C.
“We will know more about the developments on the tariff issue after today’s one-on-one negotiation with the USTR,” he said.
He confirmed that U.S. President Donald J. Trump had sent a letter on the matter to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser. Similar letters were sent to leaders of 14 countries. However, the final outcome, Dr. Salehuddin emphasized, will depend on direct negotiations with USTR officials.
“The tariff rate is not final yet. That’s why this direct meeting with the USTR is crucial,” he noted.
When asked about the Trump administration’s proposal to impose a 35 percent tariff on Bangladeshi goods, the Finance Adviser explained that a delegation led by the Commerce Adviser is already in the U.S., and the Commerce Secretary is en route to join the talks.
Dr. Salehuddin remains hopeful. “Regardless of the outcome, we will determine our next course of action. But yes, we are optimistic about securing a better result,” he stated.
He also mentioned that the last round of discussions between Bangladeshi and U.S. officials was positive.
Addressing comparisons with Vietnam, which recently received a 26 percent tariff reduction from the U.S., Dr. Salehuddin acknowledged the disparity in trade volumes. “Vietnam has a trade deficit of $125 billion with the U.S., while ours is only about $5 billion,” he said. “Still, we’re doing our best. Negotiations are ongoing.”
On domestic economic matters, Dr. Salehuddin said revenue collection for the last fiscal year (FY25) was “moderate,” with no major shortfall. He stressed that efforts are underway to improve the system and prevent revenue leakage in the current fiscal year through close consultation with the business community.
“There is great potential in revenue collection, but we often fail to fully tap into it,” he added. Regarding inflation, Dr. Salehuddin shared some good news: food inflation declined significantly last month, thanks to government initiatives. He said non-food inflation is also gradually easing. “We expect the downward trend in inflation to continue in the coming months.”