Bangladesh has approved the purchase of 220,000 tonnes of wheat from the United States at a significantly higher price than prevailing international market rates, in a move officials say is aimed at strengthening its position in upcoming trade negotiations with the Trump administration.

The decision was approved on Wednesday by the Advisers’ Council Committee on Government Purchase, chaired by Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed.

The wheat will be procured through Agrocorp International Pte Ltd, a registered supplier of US Wheat Associates, at $302.75 per tonne.

By contrast, wheat prices currently stand at about $235 per tonne in Russia and Ukraine—Bangladesh’s primary sources of the grain—and around $240 in Europe.

“This purchase will help us in negotiations with the US to reduce the 35 percent reciprocal tariffs imposed on Bangladeshi exports,” said Dr Ahmed after the meeting. The new tariffs, on top of an existing 15 percent duty, are due to take effect from August.

He added that the higher cost was justified by the quality of US wheat and the need to diversify sources amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Black Sea region.

The adviser confirmed that a Bangladeshi delegation, led by the Commerce Adviser, would soon travel to Washington for a decisive round of tariff talks. He ruled out hiring a lobbyist, citing the urgency of the matter, but encouraged private-sector engagement with US industry groups.

The committee also cleared import proposals for fertiliser, LNG, and lentils during the same session.