European Union Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh raises concerns over potentially unequal trade concessions to US

The European Union Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham) has urged the Interim Government to avoid discrimination against European Union (EU) companies, as Bangladesh considers offering substantial trade concessions to the United States.

The EU is Bangladesh’s largest and most reliable trading partner, accounting for half of all exports, with longstanding duty free and quota free preferential access granted to Bangladesh under the everything but Arms scheme since 2001, the chamber said in a statement issued on Wednesday. 

Bangladesh enjoys a notably higher trade surplus with the EU compared to its other trade partners.

Out of a total €22 billion trade in 2024, EU exports accounted for only €2 billion, resulting in a trade balance strongly in favor of Bangladesh, according to the statement. 

High tariffs and non-tariff barriers hinder EU companies’ efforts to do business with and export to Bangladesh.

EuroCham encourages the Government to reaffirm its commitment to a rules-based trading system and to pursue essential trade policy and customs reforms, while ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all trading partners, the statement read. 

The trade body stands ready to collaborate with the Government in addressing current challenges and to support a smooth and sustainable transition in the post-LDC graduation phase, the statement added.