The issue: Bangladesh is scheduled to graduate from LDC status on November 24, 2026. Its request to the UN Committee for Development Policy for a three-year extension, filed on February 18, remains under review. Trade talks are being accelerated to protect market access.
Status by partner:
- Japan: Economic Partnership Agreement signed February 6, 2026; awaiting ratification.
- South Korea: CEPA negotiations complete; awaiting cabinet approval, with signing targeted for December.
- European Union: FTA sought; negotiating teams appointed, initial online talks expected late October or November.
- Singapore: four rounds of FTA talks completed.
- Malaysia: 20-chapter FTA planned; first round set for October 27-29 in Dhaka.
- UAE: CEPA talks moving to a third round.
- United States: reciprocal trade agreement signed February 9, with a 19% tariff on Bangladeshi goods.
- Others: New Zealand, Turkey, Nepal, Canada and Mauritius; Bangladesh is also seeking to join RCEP.
Key numbers: 38 feasibility studies completed; US exports of $9.05 billion in FY26 (+4.09%).
Recommendations: Prioritise the EU track, given its weight in the export basket; publish a public tracker of negotiation milestones; and link each agreement to specific supply-side reforms in energy, logistics and skills.
Related reading: Bangladesh accelerates trade deals ahead of LDC exit — TU News
