The United States may reconsider the recently imposed 35% tariff on Bangladeshi products, according to Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed. He stated that a key meeting between Bangladesh’s Trade Adviser and representatives of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will be held on Wednesday, July 9, to discuss the issue.

Dr. Ahmed noted that the trade deficit between Bangladesh and the U.S. is only $5 billion, making such a high tariff unjustifiable. The 35% tariff is scheduled to take effect on August 1. Previously, a 37% tariff was proposed in April but was suspended for three months.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated that Dhaka is eager to secure a mutually beneficial (“win-win”) tariff agreement with the U.S. Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin is currently in Washington leading discussions with the U.S., accompanied by National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman. Following a letter from President Trump regarding the imposition of a 35% tariff starting August 1, several rounds of talks have taken place. Another meeting is scheduled for July 9.

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a warning that Bangladeshi exports may face a 35% tariff starting August 1. In a letter to interim Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, Trump cited Bangladesh’s trade surplus, non-tariff barriers, and discriminatory policies as threats to U.S. economic interests and national security. He indicated that unless these trade barriers are lifted, the additional tariffs will be implemented. However, if Bangladesh opens its markets and reforms its policies, the U.S. is open to reconsidering the move. Similar letters were reportedly sent to 14 other nations.

Bangladesh's inflation rate fell to 8.48% in June 2025, down from 9.05% in May and 9.72% in June 2024, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. The drop is mainly attributed to a decrease in both food and non-food prices. Food inflation declined significantly to 7.39% in June from 8.59% the previous month, offering some relief to consumers. Non-food inflation saw a slight decrease to 9.37% from 9.42%. The easing of inflation reflects improved price stability in essential commodities.

Overseas Bangladeshis continue to play a vital role in strengthening the country’s economy through remittance inflows. In the first six days of July 2025, remittance reached $427 million, marking a 15.34% increase compared to the same period last year. During the 2024-25 fiscal year, a record $30.33 billion was sent home, the highest ever in Bangladesh’s history, reflecting a 26.8% rise from the previous year’s $23.91 billion.

U.S. President Donald Trump's upcoming tariff hikes, set to begin August 1, have triggered uncertainty across South and Southeast Asian markets. Companies face rising costs, disrupted supply chains, and pressure to find alternative trade routes. Nations like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Japan are reassessing U.S. relations, while poorer countries like Cambodia face harsh duties. Experts warn the shift from globalization to regionalization is accelerating, with China emerging as a stabilizing trade partner amid the U.S.’s unpredictable policies.

Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, announced that Bangladesh’s inflation is decreasing rapidly due to the interim government's strategic policy initiatives. In a Facebook post, he noted that year-on-year inflation fell to 8.48% in June 2025, down 2% from August 2024. Food inflation dropped to 7.39%, the lowest in two years. He added that non-food inflation is also on a downward trend and is expected to continue declining.

Microsoft has ended its 25-year operations in Pakistan, closing its local office as part of a global cost-cutting and restructuring effort. The company will now serve the country through regional offices and authorized partners. Though only five employees were directly affected, experts see this as a major setback for Pakistan’s tech sector. Microsoft had already shifted key functions abroad in recent years. The company confirmed ongoing support for existing customers despite the closure.

Apple’s iPhone sales in China rose by 8% in the April–June quarter of 2025, marking the first growth in two years, according to Counterpoint Research. Discounts on the iPhone 16 series and attractive trade-in offers ahead of the 618 Shopping Festival drove the increase. While the growth is encouraging for investors, Apple still faces stiff competition, especially from Huawei, which saw a 12% sales rise. Apple remains in third place in China’s smartphone market behind Huawei and Vivo, and experts urge more innovation to retain its position.

Bangladesh is boosting seasonal fruit exports, especially mangoes, jackfruits, and pineapples, aiming to tap into the global market. Despite increased production, farmers face challenges due to low prices and post-harvest losses. Government initiatives, improved logistics, and "mango diplomacy" are expanding export potential to China, Europe, and the Middle East. Local consumers are also favoring domestic fruits over imports. With rising global demand and proper support, Bangladesh can significantly increase foreign earnings through fruit exports in the coming years.

OPEC+ has announced it will raise crude oil production by 548,000 barrels per day in August, exceeding earlier plans. The group, which includes OPEC members and allies like Russia, cited a stabilizing global economy and declining oil inventories for the move. This follows earlier increases in May, June, and July. However, the news caused global oil prices to drop, with Brent and WTI falling by 0.7% and 0.75%, respectively, on Friday. Analysts attribute the price dip to anticipated market oversupply.

Imports of dried turmeric through Satkhira’s Bhomra land port rose to 32,291 tonnes in FY 2024–25, up 1,841 tonnes from the previous year. The increase, valued at BDT 542.54 crore, is driven by growing demand. As a result, prices of ground turmeric have fallen in local markets—from BDT 320 to BDT 280 per kg. Traders report higher supply, while officials monitor prices of other spices to ensure market stability. Imports are being distributed across major regions including Dhaka and Chattogram.

LNG prices in Asia's spot market fell this week due to increased supply, weaker industrial demand from China and India, and high inventory levels in China and South Korea. Eased geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel also contributed to price stability. LNG for August delivery traded at $12.70 per MMBtu, down from $13.10 last week. Analysts expect prices to remain under pressure, though rising temperatures could spur future demand. European LNG prices also remained stable amid low global demand.

The U.S. national debt has now exceeded $33 trillion, sparking global concern among economists and policymakers. Analysts warn that former President Donald Trump's “Big Beautiful Budget Bill,” which includes significant tax cuts, could increase the debt by an additional $3 trillion. Financial expert Ray Dalio cautioned that the U.S. is at a tipping point, with three alarming paths ahead: slashing public spending and increasing taxes, printing more dollars, or facing a catastrophic default. Although the situation is grave, experts believe the crisis might be delayed due to the lack of a viable alternative to the U.S. dollar in global finance.

The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) has expressed deep concern over the government’s decision to impose a 2% advance income tax without prior discussion. At a press conference in Gulshan, industry leaders warned this measure—coming amid severe crises in gas supply, electricity, and bank loans—could devastate the sector. “Is this policy designed to destroy local industries and benefit our neighbors?” one leader asked. The association demanded the tax’s withdrawal within seven days, threatening factory closures if their call goes unheeded. They stressed that $75 billion in investments and the national economy itself are now at risk.