Bangladeshi and U.S. officials successfully concluded the second day of a three-day bilateral dialogue on tariff and trade agreements in Washington, D.C. on Thursday.

Bangladesh’s Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer at his office to discuss mutual trade interests. All key aspects of bilateral trade relations were reportedly covered. Further meetings are scheduled for Friday night, Bangladesh time.

The United States has set two key conditions for Bangladesh during ongoing talks to waive the 35% tariff effective from August 1: investing in the U.S. manufacturing sector and ensuring labor rights in Bangladesh. Bangladesh aims to reduce the trade deficit by increasing imports of cotton, wheat, fuel, and purchasing Boeing aircraft. Despite challenges, both sides agree on most trade aspects. Discussions continue to finalize a bilateral trade agreement to protect Bangladesh’s interests amid growing U.S. tariff pressures.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva strongly criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to impose a 50% tariff on all Brazilian imports. Lula asserted that Brazil is a sovereign nation and will not accept foreign interference in its democratic institutions or judicial system. He dismissed claims of a U.S. trade deficit with Brazil, stating that over the past 15 years, the U.S. has enjoyed a $410 billion trade surplus. Lula emphasized that Brazil would respond to unilateral tariff actions through its own legal and economic frameworks.

The second round of three-day tariff negotiations between Bangladesh and the United States began in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. Discussions covered nearly all major aspects of bilateral trade. The Bangladesh delegation is led by Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin, with Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Fayez Ahmed Tayeb joining virtually from Dhaka. Senior officials from U.S. agricultural, energy, trade, and copyright departments also participated. Bangladesh aims to finalize an agreement before the new U.S. tariffs — set to take effect on August 1 for 14 countries — come into force. Talks will continue through Friday.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping 50% tariff on all imports from Brazil, effective August 1. The decision follows escalating tensions with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who recently criticized Trump, calling him an “emperor.” The move is also seen as a response to Brazil’s stance on the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro and alleged suppression of free speech.

Brazil has threatened to retaliate with its own tariffs. The decision has already impacted Brazil’s currency and stock market, and analysts warn it may drive up food prices in the U.S.

To boost innovation and entrepreneurship, Bangladesh Bank has launched a BDT 500 crore ‘Startup Loan Fund’, offering loans at a 4% interest rate, with a maximum limit of BDT 8 crore per venture.

Banks and financial institutions will be required to contribute 1% of their 2021 profits to the fund annually. Entrepreneurs must be at least 21 years old, and the loan limit will depend on the age of the startup. The repayment term can extend up to 8 years.

Only banks or financial institutions with a non-performing loan (NPL) ratio below 10% will be eligible to participate in the fund.

The US is set to impose a 35% tariff on Bangladeshi goods from August 1, up from the current 15%, raising concerns for the ready-made garment sector—Bangladesh's largest export. Talks on a trade agreement remain unresolved, with controversial terms threatening the country’s economic and foreign policy independence. Past incidents show potential risks. Without a deal, export losses, job cuts, and economic strain may follow. Experts urge immediate action and diversification of export markets and products to reduce dependency on a few countries.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has criticized the U.S. for using tariff threats as an economic weapon against weaker countries. Speaking at a regional forum, he urged ASEAN nations to strengthen internal trade and cooperation to counter external pressures.

Anwar emphasized the need for a robust economic foundation to preserve the region’s sovereignty, calling for ASEAN nations to work together in the face of growing global tensions.

Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, the interim government’s economic advisor, stated that reforms in Bangladesh’s financial sector are being driven not solely by IMF and World Bank recommendations but also by domestic initiatives. Speaking at a press briefing, he emphasized the importance of transparency, auditing, and accountability. Dr. Ahmed highlighted the need for auditing the National Board of Revenue (NBR), pointing out the implausibly high number of zero-tax filings. He stressed that to attract foreign investment, Bangladesh must enhance its auditing and accounting standards.

The United States has invited Bangladesh for the second round of discussions on the 2025 tariff agreement. Talks are set to begin Wednesday in Washington, D.C. The Bangladeshi delegation is being led in person by Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashiruddin, with National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman participating virtually. Senior trade ministry officials have already arrived in the U.S. Bangladesh is among the first nations to respond following President Trump’s July 7 letters to 14 countries about tariff revisions. Following initial talks on June 27, Dhaka is hopeful for a swift finalization of the agreement.

Bangladesh's foreign exchange reserves have fallen below the $30 billion mark following a $2.01 billion payment to the Asian Clearing Union (ACU) for import bills. The payment, made on July 8, brought the gross reserves down to $29.53 billion. Net reserves also saw a significant decline, dropping to $24.46 billion from over $26 billion before the transaction.

The decline is attributed to payments covering import liabilities for the months of May and June. Officials say this is a routine payment under ACU obligations but highlights ongoing pressure on the country’s reserve position.

Economists caution that sustained drops in reserves could impact the country's import capacity and exchange rate stability, particularly amid global economic uncertainties.

Bangladesh Bank is set to establish a special fund of Tk 250 crore in honor of the martyrs and injured of the July Movement. Of this amount, Tk 140 crore will come from the central bank's own resources, while 11 private banks will contribute a total of Tk 110 crore. The decision was finalized on July 8 in a meeting chaired by Governor Ahsan H. Mansur. The fund will be channeled through the “July Martyrs Memorial Foundation” to provide support to the families of those killed and injured during the movement. Stakeholders are describing the initiative as a testament to the state’s humanitarian responsibility.

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.