Bangladesh commits to 14 Boeing aircraft in controversial US trade deal.

Ujjwal Sukhwani
By Ujjwal SukhwaniPublished Feb 11, 2026 at 07:05 PM UTC, 2 min read

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.

Bangladesh commits to 14 Boeing aircraft in controversial US trade deal.

Bangladesh signed a trade deal with the US to purchase 14 Boeing aircraft; the agreement aims to lower tariffs but raises concerns over national debt.

Key Takeaways

  • Bangladesh commits to purchasing 14 Boeing aircraft under a new US trade agreement.
  • The deal reduces export tariffs from 20% to 19% to aid garment manufacturers.
  • Fiscal concerns rise as the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio hits 38.61%.
  • Geopolitical clauses may restrict future trade with China and Russia.

Bangladesh signed a new trade deal. The United States is the partner. It includes 14 new Boeing aircraft. This pact started on February 9. Tariffs will drop by one percent. The new rate is 19 percent. Garment exporters like this small change. However, the deal has hidden costs.

Aviation Fleet Expansion

The Boeing order is a major part. Bangladesh will buy 14 new jets. This order helps the US economy. It also helps the local fleet. Biman Bangladesh needs more modern planes. New jets use less jet fuel. This saves money for the airline. But the purchase price is high. The government must find the money.

Fiscal Risks and Debt

Bangladesh faces a high debt level. The debt-to-GDP ratio is 38.61 percent. Buying 14 jets is very expensive. This adds to the national debt. Experts worry about the total cost. The country already owes much money. Repayment has already started this year. Fiscal space is now very narrow.

Energy and Agriculture Commitments

Energy costs are also a factor. The pact requires $15 billion in LNG. This lasts for the next 15 years. LNG is not a clean fuel. It might hurt green energy goals. Bangladesh also must buy US crops. This includes wheat and soybeans. The total cost is $3.5 billion. These costs will last for years.

Geopolitical and Policy Shifts

Geopolitics are also in the deal. It limits trade with some nations. China and Russia are the targets. Bangladesh wants to stay neutral. This deal makes that very hard. The IATA tracks global trade trends. Aviation experts watch the fleet plan. The timing of the deal is odd. It happened right before an election. An interim group signed the papers. The next leaders must pay.

Industry and Market Impact

Exporters see a small tariff drop. This helps the garment sector stay competitive. India and Vietnam are major rivals. India recently secured a lower rate. Bangladesh wants to keep its lead. The deal helps, but risks remain. The next government must review it. They may need to renegotiate terms. Transparency is key for future growth. The aviation sector needs stable funding. High debt could delay other projects. Stakeholders must watch the fiscal impact. The deal shapes trade for decades.

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Ujjwal Sukhwani

Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.

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