Dhaka, July 8 -- The United States has granted Bangladesh an additional three weeks-until August 1-to finalise a trade agreement and avoid the imposition of steep tariffs on its exports, including readymade garments, which are vital to the country's economy.

The extension, communicated through a formal notice from the US administration on July 7, moves the previous deadline from July 9 to August 1. If a deal is not reached by then, Bangladeshi exports to the US-notably in the apparel sector-will face a 35 per cent reciprocal tariff, significantly hurting their competitiveness in one of Bangladesh's largest export destinations.

Reacting to the development, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem said, "From August 1, the US intends to begin impos...