Dhaka, Aug. 1 -- The final round of high-level negotiations between Bangladesh and the United States over reciprocal tariffs concluded late last night, with Bangladeshi officials expressing cautious optimism over a potentially favourable outcome.

The three-day discussions focused on securing a reduction in the 35per cent tariff currently imposed on Bangladeshi exports to the US, particularly affecting the ready-made garment (RMG) sector-Bangladesh's largest export industry to the American market, valued at approximately $8 billion annually.

According to the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, the concluding session was held from 11:00 pm to 1:00 am (Bangladesh time). A formal announcement on the revised tariff rate is expected imminently....