Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin said on Tuesday that since Bangladesh’s key focus is on narrowing the trade deficit, steps have already been taken to expand duty-free access for local products in the United States.

Sk Bashir Uddin also said that a formal request had been sent to the US administration to include 100 additional Bangladeshi products in its duty-free import list.

The adviser was speaking to reporters following a meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Government Procurement—chaired by Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed at the Cabinet Division in Dhaka. 

“We’ve already sent a letter to the US to expand the duty-free list. This is part of our broader effort to reduce the trade deficit,” he said. 

However, he added, “We’ve yet to receive any response.”

Asked about Bangladesh’s strategy in the face of growing global trade uncertainties—particularly concerning potential tariff hikes—he acknowledged the challenges. 

“This is a volatile situation. You saw how the US administration responded to China’s tariffs with threats of a further 50% increase. Making decisions in such an environment is extremely complex,” he said.

The trade advisor stressed that his office is actively reviewing which products could help improve the balance of trade. “We are analysing the possibilities to see how we can address the deficit. This remains our main objective,” he added.

On whether expanding the zero-tariff list for 100 products would make a difference, Sk Bashir said: “Absolutely. We’re making every effort to identify the best course of action to improve our trade position.”

BDST: 1428 HRS, APR 08, 2025
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