AmCham Chief Urges Bilateral Deal as US Tariff Decision Looms

With the 90-day suspension period on additional US tariffs set to expire on July 9, concerns are mounting within Bangladesh’s business community over the potential consequences on trade and investment. In an exclusive conversation, Syed Ershad Ahmed, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham), shared his perspectives, highlighting both risks and opportunities with media.

Optimism for a Positive Outcome
Expressing cautious optimism, Syed Ershad Ahmed said, “We are hopeful that the upcoming discussions between the two governments will lead to a positive outcome. Both sides understand the importance of sustaining a healthy trade relationship, and we believe practical solutions can still be found.”He emphasized that a failure to resolve the tariff issue could have immediate repercussions for Bangladesh’s economy. “If the tariffs are not reduced, there will be a direct impact on Bangladesh’s exports and imports. Beyond that, there will be an indirect effect on foreign direct investment (FDI) as well,” he cautioned. According to him, trade and investment are deeply interconnected, and any disruption on the trade side inevitably weakens investor confidence.

Formal Recommendations for a Bilateral Trade Agreement
To prevent such disruptions, AmCham has already submitted a formal recommendation urging both governments to actively pursue a bilateral trade agreement. Ahmed believes this is the most sustainable solution to safeguard the long-term trade interests of both nations.“A bilateral trade agreement would help remove unnecessary barriers and create a more predictable and stable environment for businesses operating between Bangladesh and the US,” he said.

Proposal for a Cotton Warehouse in Bangladesh
Looking beyond the immediate tariff issue, Ahmed also shared a practical proposal to further strengthen trade ties between the two countries. He suggested establishing a cotton warehouse in Bangladesh to facilitate larger and more efficient imports of US cotton.“This would help streamline supply chains, reduce costs, and ultimately strengthen bilateral trade relations. Both Bangladeshi manufacturers and American cotton exporters would benefit from such an arrangement,” he explained.

A Call for Forward-Looking Cooperation
Ahmed’s remarks reflect the broader concerns of Bangladesh’s business community as the deadline approaches. With the stakes high for sectors such as garments and textiles, which are heavily reliant on both exports and cotton imports, the outcome of the July 9 discussions could shape the near-term future of US-Bangladesh trade relations.

AmCham Chief Urges Bilateral Deal as US Tariff Decision Looms

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