Thailand is actively holding ongoing online discussions with U.S. counterparts over trade issues and is prepared to review and adjust its concessions if necessary, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira stated on Friday.
The government is committed to protecting Thai farmers and retail businesses from potential negative impacts stemming from U.S. imports, Pichai told reporters. This comes after the United States is planning to impose a 36% tariff on Thai goods.
Following a meeting with the Thailand Team joint committee and various agencies, Pichai noted that officials are assessing and mapping out strategies for the ongoing U.S. tariff negotiations. He expressed confidence that broad agreements would be reached prior to the newly set deadline of August 1, 2025, while emphasizing that collaborative work with the U.S. will continue to hammer out detailed solutions.
After submitting a revised proposal to the U.S. on July 6, Thai negotiators are now focusing on discussions at the individual product level. Pichai indicated that Thailand may make further detailed adjustments based on U.S. feedback and is ready to offer additional proposals if needed. Concurrently, authorities are preparing support measures for private sector groups likely to be impacted, with plans to finalize assistance by sector by July 14, following Wednesday’s consultations with the private sector.
Pichai underscored that any Thai offers put forward in the negotiations must not adversely affect small-scale farmers or small industry players. Regarding the final tariff rate to be determined, he clarified that Thailand does not have a fixed target but hopes to secure terms that do not put it at a disadvantage compared to competitors.
