Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez, President of the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI), expressed concern over the proposed 20% tariff on exports to the U.S. While it may sustain competitiveness on paper, he warned that demand for Bangladeshi goods could drop by 30–35%, citing research from American analysts.

He also criticized the lack of internal cost-reduction measures and unexpected port charge hikes. “Instead of finding solutions, we are facing rising shipping costs due to mismanagement and reduced container traffic,” Parvez lamented.

Following US President Donald Trump’s decision to slash tariffs on Bangladeshi textile products from 35% to 20%, shares of several major Indian textile companies plummeted. The move is expected to make Bangladesh even more competitive in the US market. According to Upstox, KPR Mills fell by 5%, Welspun Living by 2%, Alok Industries by 0.8%, Pearl Global by 3.7%, Gokaldas Exports by 2.6%, Kitex Garments by 3.21%, and Bardhaman Textiles by 2.8%. The new tariff structure has caused concern among Indian exporters, especially in labor-intensive sectors such as textiles and electronics, with the US being India’s largest export destination.

Kashmir’s pencil industry is on the brink of collapse as widespread felling of poplar trees has caused a severe shortage of raw materials. The Lasipora industrial area in Pulwama district supplies wood to major Indian brands like Hindustan Pencils, which produces Nataraj and Apsara pencils. Despite a 2020 court suspension on tree felling, cutting continues while new planting declines. Experts warn this trend threatens both production and the environment in the region.

The government fell short of its revised revenue target by Tk 92,626 crore in FY 2024-25, collecting Tk 3,70,874 crore against the target of Tk 4,63,500 crore. Unrest within the National Board of Revenue (NBR) during May and June significantly disrupted collections, especially in customs and VAT sectors. Growth over the previous fiscal year was just 2.23%. The NBR cited large-scale tax evasion in the cigarette sector as a major reason for the loss and vowed recovery efforts.

Chattogram Port Authority is reducing the number of approved vessels to enhance operational efficiency, citing increased waiting times at outer anchorage due to excess traffic. Currently, 118 approved ships are causing delays of up to 10 days, especially for gearless vessels. Businesses argue the root problems lie in customs delays, outdated infrastructure, and poor coordination among agencies. Industry leaders call for digitalization and management reforms instead of limiting vessel numbers, warning that the current approach may raise shipping costs and hurt trade competitiveness.

India’s state-owned oil refineries have stopped purchasing Russian crude following a reduction in price discounts and stern warnings from Donald Trump. Reuters reported that Indian companies made no purchases from Russia in the past week, turning instead to alternatives like Murban oil from the UAE and West African crude. However, private firms like Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy—partly owned by Russian entities—continue sourcing under annual contracts. On July 14, Trump warned of a 100% tariff on countries buying oil from Russia if no major peace deal is reached with Ukraine.

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.