Economy Thailand May Be Spared from US Tariff List

[webfact]

File photo courtesy of nbt WORLD

 

Thailand might sidestep high US tariffs, per Thai Commerce Minister. Thailand seems poised to be cut from a list of ten nations most likely to encounter hefty reciprocal tariffs from the United States, as Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan disclosed.

 

The revelation, based on insights from a US private sector source, hints at continued strong economic ties between the two nations.

 

Although official negotiations details remain under wraps, Thai officials are proactive. Discussions with American firms, including Seagate Technology, keep diplomatic wheels turning. Potential proposals aimed at strengthening trade relationships are being prepared by the Thai delegation for future talks.

 

Thailand's export scene to the US showcases its impressive agricultural prowess. The Office of Trade Policy and Strategy states Thailand sent agricultural products worth approximately 168 billion Thai Baht to the US last year. Dog and cat food, rice, flavoured tuna, and juices top the list, contributing significantly to this figure.

 

 

 

Shifts in global trade dynamics have notably favoured Thai exports over their Chinese counterparts. High tariffs on Chinese goods have opened avenues for several Thai products in the US market. Leading the charge is Thailand's cat and dog food exports, capturing 38% of the US market share with 30.2 billion Thai Baht last year.

 

Similarly, in the rice trade, Thailand overshadows China, holding a 56% market share with exports worth 30.1 billion Thai Baht. Flavoured mackerel and other agricultural goods also register notable growth due to these trade shifts.

 

While buoyed by these prospects, the Thai export scene isn't without challenges. Competition from Chinese goods, especially garlic, green tea, and dried vegetables, looms large. Yet, with strategic navigation, Thailand remains optimistic about bolstering its market presence in the US.

 

Overall, Thailand's diplomatic dance with the US could avert tariff threats while opening broader market opportunities. The economic gains from these manoeuvres aim to sustain Thai exports in the competitive global market.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS World 2025-04-29

 

 

[MalcolmB]

21 minutes ago, webfact said:

Thailand's cat and dog food exports, capturing 38% of the US market share with 30.2 billion Thai Baht last year.

 

Similarly, in the rice trade, Thailand overshadows China, holding a 56% market share with exports worth 30.1 billion Thai Baht.

Smart these Thais. 

[bdenner]

And why would Trump give Thailand special consideration while he is treating his closest allies like crap:- Canada, Mexico and then the likes of Australia who run a LARGE trade deficit with the U.S.A. Maybe Australia has not gone over there to lick his arse!

[Etaoin Shrdlu]

 "Leading the charge is Thailand's cat and dog food exports, capturing 38% of the US market share with 30.2 billion Thai Baht last year."

 

Most of this is probably product made by Mars, Inc. an American company. Mars owns the Pedigree, Iams and Royal Canin brands. Wouldn't be surprised if an American company got an exemption to the tariffs.

 

Mars also makes Snickers and Mars Bars, presumably in a different factory.

[smedly]

sounds more like wishful thinking, as usual making statements before anything is agreed, better to keep quiet until you actually have a signed document 

[ikke1959]

Thailand an exception... but as usual.. maybe, expected, hopefully.... but the reality will be different.. Thailand is just a small country and Trump is unreliable

[Pouatchee]

title --> Thailand May Be Spared from US Tariff List

 

Question: what in this article supports this might happen?

 

Here is what Pichai states:

 

1. Strong Economic Ties

Analysis: canada and mexico also have strong if not stronger ties...

 

2. Proactive Engagement: Thai officials are actively engaging in discussions with American firms, such as Seagate Technology, and are preparing proposals aimed at strengthening trade relationships. This proactive approach demonstrates Thailand's commitment to maintaining and enhancing its trade relations with the U.S.

 

Analysis: engaging in discussions doesnt count for much on the scale of things

 

3. Export Performance: Thailand's export scene to the U.S. showcases impressive agricultural prowess, with significant exports in dog and cat food, rice, flavored tuna, and juices. The strong performance in these sectors may contribute to favorable considerations in trade negotiations.

 

Analysis: Thailand's substantial trade surplus with the United States—approximately $45.6 billion in 2024 —has placed it under scrutiny in the context of U.S. tariff considerations. President Trump's "reciprocal tariff" policy aims to address such imbalances by imposing tariffs on countries with significant surpluses.

 

--> the solution is clear, but none of this is mentioned in this article... below is what they should actually do:

 

Thailand's export performance underscores its economic capabilities, addressing the trade imbalance through increased U.S. imports, tariff adjustments, and strengthened bilateral ties is central to its strategy to avoid potential U.S. tariffs.

 

what is this guy Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan  smoking? Must be real good stuff. He should have mentioned that he can export some of this weed to the americans. Might gloss things over and after all, weed is a cash crop now in thailand 

 

Oh BTW... what is flavored tuna? some kind of popsicle? I think I'll pass on that one.

 

[JimHuaHin]

5 5 5

 

And Thailand will end corruption this year and become a full democracy.

[impulse]

4 hours ago, Pouatchee said:

Oh BTW... what is flavored tuna? some kind of popsicle? I think I'll pass on that one.

 

You can get all kinds of flavored tuna in a can.  Pepper, spices, etc.

 

Most Tuna in the world is from a Thai owned company.  Maybe that's the key here.  Tuna salad sandwiches are a lunchtime staple for US kids.  Tuna casserole is one of the great cheap meals.

 

 

[Pouatchee]

26 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

You can get all kinds of flavored tuna in a can.  Pepper, spices, etc.

 

Most Tuna in the world is from a Thai owned company.  Maybe that's the key here.  Tuna salad sandwiches are a lunchtime staple for US kids.  Tuna casserole is one of the great cheap meals.

 

 

 

thanks, you are right. when i first read the post i pictured strawberry, blueberry etc flavors... I totally didnt see the forest for the tree...

[impulse]

5 minutes ago, Pouatchee said:

thanks, you are right. when i first read the post i pictured strawberry, blueberry etc flavors... I totally didnt see the forest for the tree...

 

Don't get me wrong.  You can get tuna flavored ice cream, too.   I've never seen it in the states, but in Asia.

[stevenl]

19 hours ago, smedly said:

sounds more like wishful thinking, as usual making statements before anything is agreed, better to keep quiet until you actually have a signed document 

Why, would a signed document prevent a flipflop?

[scorecard]

36 minutes ago, stevenl said:

Why, would a signed document prevent a flipflop?

And why would trump single out Thailand for special tariffs / zero tariffs?

[bamnutsak]

22 hours ago, webfact said:

The revelation, based on insights from a US private sector source

 

Revelation and insight from a single private sector source.

 

Good luck.

[jas007]

12 minutes ago, scorecard said:

And why would trump single out Thailand for special tariffs / zero tariffs?

Thailand is important to the US for geopolitical reasons.  Strong military ties, a history of military cooperation, a US foothold in the region, and so on.  It's not enough of a big deal one way or the other, economically, but in the larger context, it is important because of its location. 

[whiteman]

Strong military ties, a history of military cooperation, Lol just like they did in the 2nd world war on the Japs side

[stevenl]

10 hours ago, scorecard said:

And why would trump single out Thailand for special tariffs / zero tariffs?

Imo no reason, but that 's not what i responded to.

[connda]

We just need to build two or three military bases and a naval shipyard and we should be all squared away.

[Magictoad]

I thought we understood now that POTUS is a bit erratic and can change his mind any time.

[jas007]

1 hour ago, whiteman said:

Strong military ties, a history of military cooperation, Lol just like they did in the 2nd world war on the Japs side

Don't forget who built U-Tapo airport and why it's still important.  Anyway, since WWII, the Thais have a long history of cooperation with the USA.  And for the USA, Thailand is an important partner in the region.  A strategically important airport and a foothold in SE Asia.   All necessary to counter China. 

[Magictoad]

11 hours ago, Pouatchee said:

 

thanks, you are right. when i first read the post i pictured strawberry, blueberry etc flavors... I totally didnt see the forest for the tree...

Tuna casserole?! But it's already disintegrated in the tin. Who would even consider eating a Tuna casserole? Is it an American thing? I've never seen it on any menu anywhere in the world in any of the 60 plus countries I've visited including the USA.

[Jingthing]

25 minutes ago, Magictoad said:

Tuna casserole?! But it's already disintegrated in the tin. Who would even consider eating a Tuna casserole? Is it an American thing? I've never seen it on any menu anywhere in the world in any of the 60 plus countries I've visited including the USA.

It was huge in the US in the 50's and isn't over yet. I've even made similar dishes using Campbells Cream of Mushroom soup occasionally in Thailand. I guess it's a kind of "white trash" type of food not that there's anything wrong with that. Tuna steaks in the tin retain firmness in cooking. I don't even bake it. I make it all on the stove served with pasta or another starch. It can be quite tasty with certain add ons like fresh mushrooms, chopped asparagus, hot smoked paprika, soy sauce, melted cheese, etc.