Written by The Banking Post
The recent decision by the United States to impose a uniform 20 per cent tariff on all Bangladeshi exports has been described as a “decent, not superb” outcome by Dr Zaidi Sattar, Chairman of the Policy Research Institute (PRI).
Commenting on the development, Dr Sattar acknowledged that while the tariff is not ideal, it places Bangladesh on relatively equal footing with its key regional competitors. “Our main competitors—such as Cambodia, Vietnam, and Pakistan—are in the same boat or in a slightly worse position,” he remarked.
He further emphasised the growing need for a favourable trade agreement with the United States, particularly as Bangladesh seeks to maintain its export competitiveness in a changing global landscape.
“The traditional advantage of low labour costs is no longer sufficient. A stronger trade partnership with the US is becoming increasingly important for Bangladesh’s long-term growth,” Dr Sattar noted.
The 20 per cent tariff marks a significant shift in US trade policy towards Bangladesh and underscores the urgency for strategic trade negotiations moving forward.
