Bangladesh to import 700,000 tons of wheat yearly from U.S. under new deal

Bangladesh and the United States have signed a deal to import 700,000 tons of high-quality wheat each year at competitive prices for the next five years.

The agreement was signed ahead of the third round of trade talks between the two countries, scheduled for the last week of July. The second round had ended without a decision after the U.S. demanded increased security cooperation as a condition for a trade agreement.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has announced it will continue joint military exercises with Bangladesh.

The wheat agreement was signed by Mohammad Abul Hasnat Humayun Kabir, Director General of Bangladesh’s Food Department, and Joseph K. Sowers, Vice President of the U.S. Wheat Associates. Food advisor Ali Imam Majumder was also present at the signing ceremony.

Majumder said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would open new opportunities for trade cooperation between the two countries and benefit their people.

According to a statement from Bangladesh’s interim government, the deal aims to improve national food security, nutrition, and a steady food supply.

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump had issued a letter announcing a 35% tariff on Bangladeshi goods starting August 1, just two days before a July 9 deadline.