Bangladesh is intensifying efforts to strengthen its trade relationship with the United States, with a sharp focus on aviation procurement and agricultural imports.

Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman told reporters that the country is accelerating plans to acquire new aircraft to meet urgent transportation needs. “We need new aircraft urgently, possibly within the next couple of years,” Rahman said. “Initially, it was 14 planes — now it’s 25,” he added, referring to an expanded order from a U.S.-based manufacturer.

The move comes amid Dhaka’s broader strategy to deepen economic ties with Washington, particularly as it seeks to address trade frictions stemming from U.S. tariff policies enacted during the Trump administration.

As part of this renewed engagement, Bangladesh recently signed a major agreement to import 700,000 tonnes of wheat annually from the U.S. for the next five years. This deal adds to growing imports of key U.S. commodities such as soybean oil and cotton, which are essential to Bangladesh’s food security and its dominant textile export sector.

Officials in Dhaka see the growing trade relationship as a means of securing critical supplies and unlocking new opportunities for investment and cooperation. The strategy is part of Bangladesh’s broader push to diversify its trade partners and maintain economic momentum on the global stage.