The recent progress in trade talks with the United States could be a hopeful turning point in bilateral economic relations for us, with the Chief Adviser’s office stating that Washington may be considering reducing Bangladesh’s current 20% reciprocal tariff rate.

This tariff rate is currently a barrier that has placed our exporters at a disadvantage compared to regional competitors, and we can anticipate this development signaling not only further goodwill but also a recognition of Bangladesh’s role as a trade partner.

Indeed, that Bangladesh imported close to 58,000 tons of corn from the United States for the first time in eight years, citing broader efforts to narrow the bilateral trade gap between the two nations also reflects a willingness from both nations to work together, with such gestures of reciprocity going a long way to strengthening trust and paving the way for more ambitious cooperation.

Most promising is the innovative proposal under discussion: Tariff-free access for Bangladeshi textile and apparel exports to the US market, equivalent to our imports of US-produced cotton and man-made fiber inputs, making this a creative, win-win solution.

It is time now for us to seize this momentum. Leveraging goodwill, we should press for not only broader market access but also explore new sectors beyond textiles and align tariff structures with regional peers as a means to level the playing field and unlock fresh opportunities for investment and innovation.

The US will remain a vital partner for just about every nation on the planet. As such, it is a time for pragmatism and partnership to converge. By embracing this approach, we can secure a stronger foothold in the US market, diversify our trade portfolio, and chart a path toward more resilient, mutually beneficial economic ties.