Bangladesh has finalized a draft trade agreement with the United States aimed at reducing the bilateral trade imbalance. Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman stated that both parties are optimistic about reaching a mutually beneficial deal before proposed U.S. tariffs take effect. Bangladesh has proposed increasing imports of U.S. wheat, cotton, oil, and Boeing aircraft. Former President Trump had postponed the imposition of a 37% tariff until July 9. In 2024, Bangladesh exported $8.36 billion worth of goods to the U.S. while importing $2.21 billion. So far, 28 meetings and document exchanges have taken place as part of the negotiation process.

The United States has imposed new sanctions on individuals, entities, and vessels involved in smuggling Iranian oil under the guise of Iraqi exports. The U.S. Treasury revealed that the network, led by Iraqi-British national Salim Ahmed Said, has sold billions of dollars’ worth of Iranian oil since 2020 using falsified documents. Additionally, senior officials of Al-Qard Al-Hassan, a Hezbollah-linked financial institution in Lebanon, have been sanctioned. Their assets have been frozen, and all business dealings with U.S. citizens are now prohibited.

The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) has urged the government to reconsider its proposed tax increases in the FY2025–26 budget. The new budget includes a 2% advance income tax (AIT) on cotton imports and an increased VAT on yarn. BTMA warned that these measures would raise production costs, reduce working capital, and undermine the competitiveness of the textile industry, especially amid rising utility prices and other economic challenges. The association called for immediate action to reverse these policies and ensure smooth industrial operations.

Despite the immense potential of Bangladesh’s semiconductor industry, the country has yet to establish a strong foothold in the $600 billion global market, said BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq. He stated that Bangladesh currently earns only $6 million from this sector. However, he expressed optimism that investments worth several hundred million to billions of dollars could flow into the industry over the next five years. The government aims to expand participation through chip design, packaging, and skill development initiatives. The National Semiconductor Task Force has submitted 23 recommendations to the Chief Adviser to guide short, medium, and long-term strategies for developing this critical industry.

India has only one week to finalize a trade deal with the United States or risk facing higher tariffs on its exports. President Trump made it clear that India must grant American businesses access to its markets, particularly for agricultural goods, dairy products, and genetically modified crops. However, India is pushing for a narrower agreement excluding these sectors. Analysts say lowering tariffs could trigger severe political backlash against the BJP, as most Indian farmers are small or medium-scale producers. While Delhi has shown willingness to compromise on some areas, it is holding firm in key sectors.

Bangladesh has approved the import of 17 LNG cargoes from UAE-based OQ Trading Limited to address short-term energy needs. Five shipments will arrive in 2025 and twelve in 2026, with prices based on the JKM index plus 15 cents per MMBtu. The government also approved fertilizer imports from the UAE, China, and Saudi Arabia, and increased budgets for several development projects, including water transport and power substations. These decisions aim to ensure energy security, food production support, and infrastructure development.

The joint committee formed to enhance the development of Bangladesh's capital market held its first meeting at the Bangladesh Bank headquarters. Chaired by Dr. Md. Ejazul Islam, Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank, the meeting included officials from the central bank, Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), and the Ministry of Finance. Discussions focused on identifying key strategies to strengthen market infrastructure, improve regulatory coordination, and ensure sustainable growth of the capital market in line with national economic objectives.

Finance Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has stated that ongoing reforms in the banking and SME sectors will be completed by December 2025, aiming to restore transparency and public confidence. He acknowledged structural weaknesses in struggling banks and emphasized coordinated efforts by the government and Bangladesh Bank to modernize the SME sector. He added that complications over the planned division of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) led the IMF to avoid a scheduled meeting on loan relief. He further noted that the IMF disregarded a formal letter from the NBR chairman, prompting him to provide an explanation.

U.S. President Donald Trump said that while trade talks with Japan have taken place, he is not optimistic about reaching any agreement, describing Japan as “very stubborn.” Trump complained that although Japan urgently needs rice, it shows little interest in importing U.S. rice or other goods. He added that he has no plans to extend the July 9 deadline for the negotiations and instead intends to pressure various countries into deals by sending them letters.

In a separate remark, Trump lashed out at Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, calling him “foolish,” claiming that lowering interest rates by three points could have saved nearly a trillion dollars. He also noted that he is considering two or three top candidates to replace Powell.

Bangladeshi agricultural entrepreneur and BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo has been named the recipient of the "Top Agri-Food Pioneer" award by the US-based World Food Prize Foundation. Mintoo, founder of Lal Teer Seeds Ltd., has made significant contributions to seed development, livestock, and food security for over four decades. He established the country’s first ISTA-accredited seed testing lab and pioneered hybrid seed and semen technologies in Bangladesh. He will be officially honored in October 2025 in Iowa, USA.

US Senator Lindsey Graham has warned that countries continuing to trade with Russia while failing to support Ukraine could face tariffs as high as 500% on their exports to the United States. The warning follows the passage of a bill endorsed by former President Donald Trump, now approved by the US Senate, aiming to economically pressure countries maintaining business ties with Moscow.

Experts believe the measure could significantly impact nations like India and China, who are major importers of Russian oil and other goods. Senator Graham emphasized that the proposed tariffs are targeted at nations choosing commerce with Russia over humanitarian support for Ukraine. With India-Russia trade volume surging to $68.7 billion, analysts caution the bill could deal a heavy blow to India's economy if enforced.

In the first half of 2025, the U.S. dollar has depreciated by over 10% in global markets — marking its steepest decline since 1973. Analysts attribute the slump to former President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies and an increasingly isolationist foreign policy. Growing concerns over inflation, ballooning government debt, and unpredictable trade policies have shaken investor confidence, raising questions about America's leadership in the global financial system. While the falling dollar has made imports more expensive, exporters are seeing higher profits. According to Standard Chartered, "It's not about whether the dollar is strong or weak — it's about how the world perceives the United States."

As of June 30, Bangladesh Bank reported gross foreign reserves of $31.68 billion, a $370 million increase from the previous day.
Spokesperson Arif Hossain added that under the IMF calculation method, the reserves stand at $26.66 billion. Economists welcomed the growth but emphasized the need to boost exports and remittances to maintain long-term stability.

The interim government of Bangladesh has scrapped 37 solar power projects involving 14 countries, citing irregularities and politically motivated approvals during the Awami League's tenure.

The canceled projects had a combined capacity of 3,287 MW and included investments from China (4 projects), Singapore (7), India (1), and the United States (1). This move puts approximately $6 billion in potential investment and $300 million in sunk costs at risk.

Chinese investors have expressed concern and called for a peaceful resolution. Energy experts stressed the need for policy stability and stronger coordination from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

Economic adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has remarked that former central bank governors acted as agents of the government, but insisted that such practices are no longer the norm.

Speaking to NBR officials, he encouraged them to maintain neutrality and transparency in their duties. On recent anti-corruption investigations against six NBR officials, he declined to comment but asserted the current government does not interfere in such matters.

He also expressed concern over disruptions to port and revenue services, saying these actions harm the national interest and damage the business climate.