Bangladesh to buy $15b of energy products over 15 years in US trade deal
Bangladesh has agreed to purchase $15 billion worth of energy products from the United States over the next 15 years, marking a significant development in the bilateral trade relationship.
This deal, part of a broader reciprocal trade agreement signed on February 9, also includes $3.5 billion in agricultural products, with further increases expected due to Bangladesh's planned purchase of 14 Boeing jets.
The agreement’s value could rise further as Bangladesh's state-run airline, Biman, is set to acquire 14 Boeing aircraft, valued at approximately $2.46 to $2.87 billion. This purchase will significantly boost the total trade between the two nations. The energy and agricultural product deals underline Bangladesh's commitment to expanding its imports from the US.
The trade deal also entails substantial changes in market access. Bangladesh will offer preferential access to US goods, including chemicals, medical devices, machinery, motor vehicles, ICT equipment, and various agricultural products such as soy, dairy, and poultry. In return, the US has agreed to reduce reciprocal tariffs on Bangladeshi goods from 20% to 19%, with some products eligible for zero tariff rates.
Additionally, the US will implement a new system allowing a specific volume of Bangladesh’s textiles and apparel to enter the American market duty-free, linked to the export of American cotton and man-made fibers.
The agreement, which comes after more than nine months of negotiations, also focuses on addressing non-tariff barriers. Bangladesh has pledged to adopt US vehicle safety standards, recognize FDA certifications for medical devices, and ease restrictions on remanufactured goods. The country will also work to digitalize customs procedures and improve regulatory practices.
Both countries have committed to strengthening labor protections and enforcing environmental laws. Bangladesh has agreed to adopt stringent intellectual property standards, including protections for US products such as cheese and meat, with provisions on geographical indications.
