Bangladesh Opens Doors to US Agri-Products, Risks Local Farmers & Food Security

• Bangladesh grants significant market access to US agricultural products, including dairy, beef, and poultry, under a new Reciprocal Trade Agreement.
• The deal requires Bangladesh to remove non-tariff barriers, accept US certifications, and recognize US Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards.
• Experts warn this could severely impact Bangladesh's local farmers and livestock sector, which contributes significantly to its GDP and employs 38% of the population.
• US subsidized products, cheaper than local produce, threaten to displace domestic production, potentially leading to a 4% drop in meat and dairy sectors.
• The agreement is seen as a double-edged sword, offering cheaper goods for consumers but jeopardizing Bangladesh's food security and rural economy, especially as it graduates from LDC status in 2026.