20pc US tariff a ‘decent, not superb’ outcome for Bangladesh: Zaidi Sattar

The newly set 20 per cent tariff imposed by the United States on all Bangladeshi exports is a ‘decent, not superb’ outcome, according to Dr Zaidi Sattar, Chairman of the Policy Research Institute (PRI).

In response to the tariff adjustment, Dr Sattar noted that while the uniform 20 per cent tariff across all export categories may not be ideal, it does not leave Bangladesh at a disadvantage compared to its counterparts.

“Our main competitors are in the same boat, or a bit worse off,” he said to The Financial Express, referring to regional rivals such as Cambodia, Vietnam, and Pakistan.

However, Dr Sattar stressed that a relatively favourable trade deal with the United States has now become critical for Bangladesh’s sustained competitiveness. “The traditional basis of our advantage (low labour cost) is no longer enough. A strong trade relationship with the US is increasingly essential,” he added.