Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, expressed confidence that the Thai economy in 2026 will certainly be able to grow by more than 2%.
A key positive factor stems from the latest US tariff policy, in which President Donald Trump announced an increase in import tariffs from all countries globally to 15%, effective immediately. This measure is temporary for 150 days, after the US Supreme Court ruled to abolish the Reciprocal Tariff, deeming it an overextension of presidential powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Mr. Ekniti believes that the US’ imposition of a 15% import tariff on products from trading partners for 150 days will prompt Thai exporters to accelerate shipments to the US during this period, as it is a reduction from the previous rate of 19% that the US had planned to levy on Thai products.
As for whether the Thai economy could grow by as much as 3% this year, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance said it is necessary to wait for an assessment of other factors, such as geopolitical conditions and the global trade situation.
