Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra revealed on Sunday that Thailand plans to boost U.S. imports of energy, aircraft, and agricultural products following the Trump administration’s imposition of a 36% tariff on Thai exports to the U.S. market. In addition, Thailand also intends to promote Thai investment in the U.S. and ease restrictions on American imports to strengthen bilateral trade relations.
Shinawatra, speaking to Thai media, stated that the government plans to promote increased Thai investment in the United States while relaxing restrictions on American imports, as reported by Thai PBS.
Under the leadership of Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, the Thai government plans to hold trade discussions with representatives from the U.S. government and private sector to tackle the tariff concerns.
In a statement detailing Thailand’s stance, Shinawatra cautioned that the high tariffs could impact Thailand’s key export industries, such as electronics, processed foods, and agricultural products. Despite this, she underscored Thailand’s dedication to fostering stronger bilateral trade ties, stressing the country’s role as a trusted ally and economic partner of the United States.
The Prime Minister has pledged both immediate and long-term support for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and large corporations that are expected to be affected by the tariff hikes. Moreover, she addressed the recent earthquake, assuring that the government is actively working to mitigate its impact and provide compensation to those affected.
Shinawatra also acknowledged the difficulties tariffs put on Thailand’s exports. She pointed out that other countries have encountered comparable challenges and have adopted various approaches to lessen the impact.
To counter the effects of tariffs, a specialized working group was established on January 6. The government intends to focus on protecting Thailand’s interests while promoting expanded investments. Finance Minister will head a delegation to the U.S. for trade discussions. The prime minister conveyed optimism about achieving mutually beneficial outcomes from these negotiations and assured support for businesses affected by the tariff increases.
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