Imports Rise, Bangladesh Seeks More US Support
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury says Bangladesh expects stronger US support as bilateral ties deepen and imports from the United States grow, following a meeting with US Treasury representatives in Bangkok on October 14.
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In a Nutshell
- The meeting covered bilateral relations and debt management, according to the finance minister.
- Chowdhury said Bangladesh had not received the level of US support it expected in the past, but relations have improved.
- He cited Bangladesh’s purchases of US aircraft and goods such as soybeans as signs of closer economic ties.
- Bangladesh imported nearly $1.9 billion in US goods in January-June 2026. Imports more than doubled between the first and second quarters, according to Bangladesh Bank figures.
- The finance minister said Bangladesh expects greater US support for its development goals and economic interests.
Context
Bangladesh’s imports from the United States are rising amid the two countries’ trade discussions and the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART). Bangladesh Bank data show imports from the US reached nearly $1.9 billion in the first half of 2026, up from $605.6 million in January-March to $1.29 billion in April-June. Fuel and related products accounted for much of the increase.
Bangladesh also has plans to buy Boeing aircraft, adding to the value of future US imports. The finance minister’s comments in Bangkok connect that expanding trade relationship with Dhaka’s expectation of greater American support. However, his remarks do not specify what form that support would take.
Why It Matters
Bangladesh’s growing purchases from the United States are not only about trade. They are also part of Dhaka’s effort to secure better terms from Washington, especially on tariffs. Biman Bangladesh Airlines has agreed to buy 25 Boeing aircraft this year. Its first deal, for 14 aircraft, was valued at $3.7 billion.
Lower tariffs or stronger US support depend on future negotiations. The aircraft purchases also involve large foreign-currency payments and operating costs. Bangladesh, therefore, may assess whether these deals provide Biman with a practical fleet and bring real benefits to the wider economy.
What We Think
Greater US support is a fair expectation, but Bangladesh may seek clear benefits in return, especially lower tariffs and better market access, rather than treating higher imports as proof of a successful partnership.
Boeing purchases may be better matched to Biman’s passenger demand, profitable routes, and financial capacity, rather than becoming an open-ended cost for diplomatic goodwill, with public disclosure of financing details and business.