Bangladesh officials are racing against time to cut a deal with America before devastating trade taxes kick back into effect. Commerce chief Sk Bashir Uddin flew to Washington yesterday for make-or-break talks that could save the country's biggest export market. The two-day meeting represents the final chance to hammer out terms before Trump's punishment tariffs return next week. American trade bosses have already rejected Bangladesh's plea to keep new taxes under 10 percent. The clock is ticking as the July 9 deadline approaches fast.
Trump slammed Bangladesh and other nations with massive tariffs back in April but gave them three months to work out new agreements. Bangladesh tried to get America to hand over a list showing exactly which products would face zero duties. The US trade office has refused to provide that crucial document even after weeks of requests. Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman admits his team will have to negotiate without knowing the full picture. They plan to use an old draft agreement that America shared earlier.
The talks could make or break thousands of jobs in Bangladesh's massive clothing industry. America buys more stuff from Bangladesh than any other single country. Factory workers and business owners are holding their breath as diplomats battle over the final terms. Both sides say they want to reach a deal before the deadline hits. The outcome will determine whether Bangladesh faces crushing new taxes or keeps its trade lifeline open.
Trump slammed Bangladesh and other nations with massive tariffs back in April but gave them three months to work out new agreements. Bangladesh tried to get America to hand over a list showing exactly which products would face zero duties. The US trade office has refused to provide that crucial document even after weeks of requests. Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman admits his team will have to negotiate without knowing the full picture. They plan to use an old draft agreement that America shared earlier.
The talks could make or break thousands of jobs in Bangladesh's massive clothing industry. America buys more stuff from Bangladesh than any other single country. Factory workers and business owners are holding their breath as diplomats battle over the final terms. Both sides say they want to reach a deal before the deadline hits. The outcome will determine whether Bangladesh faces crushing new taxes or keeps its trade lifeline open.
