National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman stated that Bangladesh has successfully avoided a potential 35% tariff, a development he described as crucial for the country's garment sector and millions of workers. He emphasized that the negotiations maintained Bangladesh’s global competitiveness and expanded access to the world’s largest consumer market. Bangladesh agreed to import more U.S. agricultural products as part of the deal. The new 20% tariff aligns Bangladesh with competitors like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Pakistan—while India now faces a 25% tariff after failing to secure a similar agreement.

Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin confirmed that the U.S. has reduced tariffs on Bangladeshi imports to 20%, down from the previous 35%. He noted that Bangladesh had hoped for a rate lower than 20% but emphasized that exports to the U.S. will remain unaffected. Bashir Uddin, who is leading Bangladesh’s negotiating team currently in the U.S., said the new rate keeps Bangladesh competitive in global markets.

The White House has announced a reduction in import tariffs on Bangladeshi goods. The tariff rate has been cut from 35% to 20%. In contrast, the U.S. has imposed a 15% tariff on imports from countries including Afghanistan, Angola, Bosnia, Cameroon, Chad, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, and Guinea. Algeria now faces a 30% tariff, Canada 35%, India 25%, and South Korea 15%. Meanwhile, EU member countries will enjoy zero tariffs. Thailand will face a 19% tariff, and Brazil the highest at 50%.

A new report by the Planning Commission’s General Economics Division shows that 24.05% of Bangladesh’s population—approximately 39.77 million people—live in poverty. The highest poverty rate is in the hill district of Bandarban, while the lowest is in Jhenaidah.

The data, however, is based on outdated metrics, raising questions about its current relevance. The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) measures access to services rather than income alone. Economist Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury called this approach innovative and useful for identifying vulnerable populations, though more research is needed to understand regional disparities.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has announced that the repo interest rate will remain at 10% for now but may decrease in the coming months—if inflation drops below 7%. “We've made some progress in curbing inflation, which now stands around 8.5%. We want it to go below 3%, or I won't be satisfied,” said the governor. He emphasized a dual strategy of managing inflation through both supply and demand measures. Despite last year’s dollar crisis, essential imports like electricity, fertilizer, and LNG were not disrupted. He noted that interest rates on treasury bills and bonds have already decreased from 12% to 10%.

The United States has finalized a trade agreement with Pakistan that includes plans for the joint development of the country’s substantial oil reserves. Former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the deal, stating that the selection process for oil companies to lead the project is underway. “Who knows, maybe one day they’ll sell oil to India!” he quipped.

While details of the agreement are yet to be disclosed, Trump noted ongoing talks with other nations regarding trade. “This afternoon, I’ll be meeting with South Korea’s trade delegation. They currently impose a 25% tariff, but they’ve proposed a reduction, which I’m eager to review,” he said. Trump added that several countries are offering tariff reductions, which he believes will significantly help reduce the U.S. trade deficit.

Donald Trump has announced a 15% tariff on South Korean imports as part of a new trade agreement. Without the deal, South Korea would have faced a 25% tariff. The move comes shortly after Japan agreed to similar terms, increasing pressure on Seoul.

Under the deal, South Korea will invest $350 billion in the U.S. While officials in Seoul are touting it as a win—especially given last year’s $56 billion trade surplus with the U.S.—items like steel and aluminum will face a 50% tariff in line with Trump’s global trade policy. Despite the hike, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung welcomed the agreement.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order imposing a 50% tariff on selected Brazilian imports. Brazil responded with warnings of retaliatory measures. As the U.S. is Brazil’s second-largest trading partner after China, the tariff increase could significantly impact its economy.

Previously, Trump accused Brazil of targeting U.S. tech firms and harassing former President Jair Bolsonaro. However, several key Brazilian exports have been exempted from the new tariff list.

Chinese garment maker Honda (Bangladesh) Garments Company Limited will invest $41.33 million in the BEPZA Economic Zone in Mirersarai, Chattogram. The agreement signed on July 30 aims to produce 72.1 million pieces of various garments annually, including T-shirts, suits, and children’s wear, generating employment for over 10,000 Bangladeshis. BEPZA assured full support for smooth operations and praised Bangladesh’s skilled workforce. Honda plans to introduce advanced, automated technology and create local teams for global market connections.

Bangladesh Bank will unveil the Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) for the first half of fiscal year 2025-26 tomorrow. Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur will formally present the MPS at a press conference at the bank’s headquarters. The announcement will cover inflation control, private sector credit growth, and economic development under the current monetary policy. Key officials, including the head of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit and the bank’s chief economist, will attend the event.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that a 25% tariff could be imposed on Indian exports if a trade agreement with the United States is not finalized soon.

Despite five rounds of negotiations, no deal has yet been reached, increasing pressure on New Delhi. A senior Indian official confirmed that a U.S. delegation is scheduled to visit India by mid-August for further talks. “We’ve made significant progress,” the official said, but acknowledged that Trump could still order steep tariffs via executive action.

Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that talks with the U.S. are “progressing well,” noting that India has proposed reducing tariffs on several products and is working to ease non-tariff barriers. Meanwhile, Trump announced plans to notify nearly 200 countries about a new "global tariff" structure his administration intends to introduce.

Advanced Chemical Industries (ACI) PLC has announced the launch of a new subsidiary named ACI Biosciences Limited, with an authorized capital of BDT 1 billion. ACI will hold 90% of the shares, pending regulatory approval. Despite recent financial losses, including a loss of BDT 9.11 per share in the first three quarters of 2024-25, the company continues to invest in growth. ACI’s latest credit rating remains strong, reflecting confidence in its long-term stability.

Hong Kong-based Honda Industries will invest $250 million in Bangladesh to set up three factories—two garment processing units and one knitting and dyeing unit—creating 25,000 jobs. The decision follows government support and a previously signed MoU at the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025. Chairman Han Chun met with Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus and presented factory designs for the Mirsarai Economic Zone. The first phase will begin with an $80 million investment, with full project completion expected by the end of 2025.

According to a report from the Economic Relations Division (ERD), Bangladesh paid approximately $4.087 billion in principal and interest to development partners in the recently concluded fiscal year. This marks the highest amount of loan repayment ever made by the country in a single fiscal year.

The repayment amount represents a 21.2% increase from the previous fiscal year’s payment of $3.372 billion. Interest payments alone rose to $1.491 billion, up 10.5% compared to $1.349 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24.

The ERD data also reveals that Bangladesh signed new loan agreements worth $8.323 billion with development partners during the fiscal year 2024-25, down from $10.739 billion in the prior fiscal year.

A four-member Bangladeshi delegation, led by Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, will travel to the United States on Monday evening to discuss newly imposed tariffs. Senior Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman confirmed that bilateral meetings will take place on July 29–30 in Washington, marking the third round of negotiations.

Previous discussions were positive, Rahman said, and hopes are high for a favorable outcome. He added that a final decision may be announced before August 1 and assured that any increase in U.S. imports will not negatively affect local consumers.