FROM PAGE B1

took part in the reciprocal tariff negotiations on behalf of the country’s private sector. During those talks, Washington imposed a reduced 20 percent tariff on Bangladeshi goods entering the US, tied to efforts to reduce the trade imbalance.

Trade between the two countries remains heavily in Bangladesh’s favour, with exports to the US crossing $8.2 billion a year, while imports from the US total around $2 billion.

Khabibur Rahman, country team lead for Bangladesh at the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC), confirmed the surge in US soybean imports following the reciprocal tariffs. “Over the last two months, soybean imports in Bangladesh have boomed because of the advantageous price.”

In August and September, Bangladesh imported 400,000 tonnes of soybean seeds, up from 200,000 tonnes in the previous two months, said Rahman.

In September alone, 114,000 tonnes came from the US, accounting for 87.11 percent of total imports that month. Brazil supplied 16,800 tonnes, or 12.89 percent, he said.

“Even in July, before the tariffs took effect, 45.84 percent of soybeans were imported from the US and 54 percent from Brazil. The picture is now completely reversed,” he added.

Bangladesh’s soybean crushing is forecast to rise 9.1 percent to 2.4 million tonnes in the 2025-26 marketing year, Rahman said.